Key facts
- King Haakon VIII pledged an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament.
- Haakon VIII ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Harald V.
- King Harald V died on Friday at the age of 89.
- The public can pay respects to the late King Harald V at the royal palace chapel until September 8.
- Queen Mette-Marit was absent from the swearing-in ceremony due to complications from a lung transplant.
King Haakon VIII of Norway formally pledged an oath of allegiance to the country's constitution in parliament on Tuesday, a significant symbolic act as he assumes the throne following the death of his father, King Harald V. Harald V died on Friday at the age of 89, concluding a 35-year reign.
Haakon VIII, 53, adopted the motto "All for Norway," a phrase used by his great-grandfather. He was driven from the royal palace to the Storting, where Speaker Masud Gharahkhani announced Harald's death and Haakon's succession. The new monarch then took the oath, stating, "I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws; so help me God, the Almighty and Omniscient."
Norway's monarchy, with roots tracing back to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century, plays a largely symbolic role today, with political power resting with the elected government. The royal family, however, continues to represent the nation globally.
King Harald V's coffin was moved to the royal palace chapel on Monday, where it will remain until his funeral on September 9. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects daily from Tuesday afternoon until September 8, though photography and leaving items are prohibited inside the chapel.
Queen Mette-Marit, Haakon VIII's wife, was absent from the swearing-in ceremony. She has been largely out of public view since undergoing a lung transplant in June. A statement from the palace, quoting pulmonologist Are Holm, explained that Mette-Marit is experiencing common post-transplant complications and requires observation, preventing her attendance.