- King Harald V of Norway has died at 89 years old.
- King Haakon VIII gave his first speech as king on Saturday, aired live on television, a day after his father’s death.
- In his speech, Haakon praised his father for representing Norwegians with pride and joy, and promised to give everything for the country.
- Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects, and Haakon thanked the public, calling it a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people, flowers, messages of condolence, and candles.
- The government has declared a national mourning period lasting until after the funeral; a date has not yet been announced, but the Church of Norway will hold memorial services across the country on Sunday.
In his inaugural address, King Haakon VIII reflected on the legacy of his father, King Harald V, who passed away at 89 after a 35-year reign. Haakon expressed his commitment to serve Norway, stating, “As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy”.
The speech, broadcast live, came a day after Harald's death, during which Haakon acknowledged the collective grief of the nation: “We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us”. Tens of thousands gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo, creating a poignant scene filled with flowers and candles, which Haakon described as a “powerful and moving experience”.45
In response to the loss, the government has declared a national mourning period, lasting until after the funeral, with memorial services planned across the country. A date for the funeral has yet to be announced, but the Church of Norway is set to hold services on Sunday. Haakon is scheduled to take an oath to uphold Norway’s constitution and laws before the legislature on Tuesday, marking the beginning of his reign amidst a period of national reflection and sorrow.67
“In his televised address, Haakon said, "We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us," as reported by NRK. Tens of thousands gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo, and the Church of Norway will hold memorial services on Sunday.”
