Norway’s new king Haakon VIII addresses nation for the first time after succeeding his late father – as tens of thousands of mourners continue to pay public tribute to King Harald V
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King Haakon VIII has addressed Norway for the first time since succeeding his father, King Harald V, as public mourning continues across the country. The accession marks an immediate transition in the monarchy following Harald’s death at 89, while thousands have gathered outside Oslo’s Royal Palace to leave flowers and Norwegian flags.
The royal court said King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday after his health deteriorated following an infection; he had also been treated for haemolytic anaemia. Haakon, 53, becomes king, with his 22-year-old daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra now second in line; if she succeeds, she would be Norway’s first female monarch in more than 600 years. King Charles III, Harald’s cousin, sent condolences to the Norwegian royal family.
- King Haakon VIII makes first address after succeeding King Harald V.
- Thousands continue to mourn outside Oslo’s Royal Palace.
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now second in line.
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Norway is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the king is head of state but elected politicians run the government. The monarch has mainly ceremonial and representative duties, including opening parliament and acting as a national symbol.
Haakon VIII is the son of King Harald V and has long been the heir to the throne. His daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now next in line after him; Norway’s succession rules allow the oldest child to inherit regardless of gender.
Full account
King Haakon VIII of Norway has made his first address to the country after the death of his father, King Harald V, as public mourning continued outside the Royal Palace in Oslo. Harald died in hospital on Friday, aged 89, following treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a rare condition affecting red blood cells. His death ended a 35-year reign during which he came to be regarded by many Norwegians as an accessible, modernising figure. His son, formerly Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeded him and is now Norway’s head of state at the age of 53.
In a televised speech from the palace, Haakon spoke personally about the father he had lost as well as the responsibilities he had inherited. Sitting beside a photograph of Harald, candles and white roses, he thanked him for being a good father and described him as a caring husband to Queen Sonja, a warm grandfather and a steady presence for the wider family. The new king became visibly emotional when he noted that the day of the address would have marked his parents’ 58th wedding anniversary. He said he now faced a major task and intended to carry out the role by being present and attentive.
Haakon also used the address to stress unity and equality, saying the royal family believed in a society founded on law, justice and the equal worth of every person. He recalled that his father encouraged relatives to find their own way and remain themselves, while maintaining a strong sense of family cohesion. Outside the palace, mourners continued to leave flowers, candles and Norwegian flags. The king said the scale of the public response was both moving and consoling at a time of grief. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was among those who paid tribute in person, saying Norway was united in sorrow and gratitude.
The accession begins amid both ceremonial duties and a difficult period for the royal household. Haakon is due to take an oath of allegiance before parliament on Tuesday, followed later by a consecration service with Queen Mette-Marit, rather than a full coronation. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now second in line to the throne; if she ultimately succeeds, she would become Norway’s first female sovereign for more than six centuries. Reports also note that the new king takes office while the family has faced health concerns and damaging public controversies involving Mette-Marit and her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby.
Where outlets differ
Source 2 concentrates on Haakon’s speech, including its emotional setting, his tribute to Harald’s character, the planned oath and consecration, and the declaration of national mourning.
Source 1 gives greater prominence to the crowds and floral tributes outside the palace, Harald’s medical treatment, the line of succession and detailed allegations and legal matters affecting members of the wider royal family.
Both reports portray Harald as widely mourned and describe Haakon’s succession, but Source 2 presents a fuller account of the new king’s stated priorities and message of national unity.
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