Key facts
- King Haakon VIII has ascended to the Norwegian throne following the death of King Harald V.
- King Harald V died at age 89 after a 35-year reign.
- King Haakon VIII delivered his first televised address to the nation, paying tribute to his father.
- The new king vowed to be 'present and attentive' and stressed national unity.
- Thousands of Norwegians gathered in Oslo to mourn King Harald V.
Norway has entered a new royal era with the ascension of King Haakon VIII following the death of his father, King Harald V, at the age of 89. In his first address to the nation, a visibly emotional King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his father, remembering him as a "good dad," a "warm and funny grandfather," and a "loving and caring husband" to Queen Sonja. He vowed to be "present and attentive" in his new role and stressed the importance of national unity and equality.
Thousands of Norwegians gathered in Oslo to mourn King Harald, who was seen as a modernizer and "people's king" during his 35-year reign. King Haakon VIII acknowledged the comfort derived from the shared grief. He also noted the challenges the royal family has faced this year, including controversies surrounding Queen Mette-Marit and his sister, Princess Märtha Louise, and the conviction of his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby. Despite these issues, Haakon expressed his commitment, along with Queen Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, to understanding people's life situations and standing together through difficult times.
King Haakon VIII will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and participate in a consecration service later. Support for the monarchy has seen a decline in recent polls, but royal experts believe the new king is respected and capable of navigating the challenges ahead.