The Latest: IKEA founder praised for taking Sweden to world

STOCKHOLM – The Latest on the death of IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad (all times local):

3:55 p.m.

Sweden's royal house, politicians and business leaders are praising the work and entrepreneurial spirit of IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, who died at age 91.

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf said Sunday in an emailed statement to news agency TT that Kamprad was "a true entrepreneur" who brought the Scandinavian country "out to the world" while remaining "a down-to-earth person with a great commitment."

Prime Minister Stefan Lofven called Kamprad "a unique entrepreneur" who made home furnishing available to millions of people. Swedish industrialist and investor Jacob Wallenberg praised him as "a fantastic example for us all" and an inspiration.

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2:00 p.m.

The president and chief executive of Swedish homewares retailer IKEA says the company's founder will be remembered and admired for working "to create a better everyday life for many people."

IKEA Group CEO Jesper Brodin said founder Ingvar Kamprad's vision will continue to guide and inspire" the company.

Kamprad died Saturday at age 91. His life story is intimately linked to the company he founded on the family farm when he was 17 years old.

His work ethic, frugality and down-to-earth style remain at the core of IKEA's corporate identity. His missteps, including early flirtations with Nazism, never rubbed off on I one of the world's most recognizable brands.

Kamprad formed the company's name from his own initials and the first letters of the family farm, Elmtaryd, and the parish of Agunnaryd where it is located.

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12:15 p.m.

IKEA says Ingvar Kamprad, the IKEA founder who turned a small-scale mail order business into a global furniture empire, has died at 91.

IKEA Sverige, the chain's Swedish unit, said on Twitter that Kamprad died Saturday at his home in Smaland, Sweden.

IKEA says "he will be much missed and warmly remembered by his family and IKEA staff all around the world."