- King Harald V died at age 89 on Friday, marking the end of his 35-year reign.
- Haakon automatically became king the moment his father died, taking the oath of allegiance before parliament on Tuesday.
- Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra was by Haakon's side during the oath-taking ceremony, which was attended by members of the cabinet and lawmakers.
- Queen Mette-Marit canceled her attendance at the ceremony due to complications following her lung transplant.
- Harald's coffin was taken to the royal palace chapel on Monday, where it will remain until the funeral on September 9.
- Public mourning has begun, with large crowds gathering to pay their respects at Harald's coffin until September 8.
- The monarchy remains popular in Norway, with 72% of Norwegians supporting it according to a recent poll.
King Haakon VIII officially ascended the Norwegian throne on Tuesday, taking an oath of allegiance to the constitution in a ceremony attended by parliament members and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.4
“Norwegian parliament, I promise and swear to rule the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws, so help me God the Almighty and All-knowing,” he declared.
The event underscored Norway's constitutional monarchy, with speaker Masud Gharahkhani highlighting the late King Harald V's contributions to democracy.1
“Compassion was the core of his message in good times and tough times,” Gharahkhani noted.
Following the death of King Harald at 89, Haakon, 53, has adopted the motto “All for Norway,” a tribute to his great-grandfather.
The monarchy remains popular, with a recent poll showing 72% of Norwegians supporting it, up from 64% in May.8
Queen Mette-Marit was absent from the ceremony due to complications from a lung transplant, as confirmed by her doctor, Are Holm, who stated, “It is not unusual with complications after a lung transplant.”5
The royal family continues to play a symbolic role in promoting Norway, despite the monarchy's largely ceremonial status since the country regained independence in 1905.
King Harald's coffin is currently in the royal palace chapel, open for public viewing until his funeral on September 9.6
“A Norstat poll for NRK shows 72% support for the monarchy, up from 64% in May. Queen Mette-Marit remains under observation after complications from her June lung transplant, missing the ceremony.”
euronews.com
