King Haakon VIII says King Harald represented Norway with pride and joy, and promises to listen to Norwegians as monarch.
Upon ascending the throne, King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his late father, King Harald, lauding his representation of the Norwegian people with pride and joy, and pledged devotion to serving the nation.
King Haakon delivered his inaugural address on Saturday, broadcast live across television, just one day after his father’s passing.
“In his address, the new king expressed shared grief, noting that while the nation mourns, the outpouring of solidarity provides comfort and strength.”
King Harald passed away on Friday at the age of 89, having reigned for 35 years. He had been battling haemolytic anaemia, a condition causing fatigue and shortness of breath.
Haakon reflected that his father represented Norway and its people with pride and joy, through domestic visits, royal palace events, and international representation.
Tens of thousands gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects. Haakon thanked the public, describing the sight of Palace Square filled with mourners, flowers, condolence messages, and candles as a powerful and moving experience.
The government has declared a national mourning period extending through the funeral, though a specific date remains unannounced. The Church of Norway will hold memorial services nationwide on Sunday, with churches and city halls opening condolence books and candle-lighting ceremonies.
Haakon affirmed that he, Queen Mette-Marit, and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra would be present and listening during the mourning period.
The king emphasized belief in democratic government, the rule of law, and the principle that all people are of equal value.
Haakon is scheduled to take an oath before the legislature on Tuesday to defend Norway’s constitution and laws.
Haakon ascends the throne following controversy surrounding his wife’s relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and amid legal troubles involving his stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby, who was convicted of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison in June.
