- King Harald V has died, leading to national mourning in Norway.
- In his first speech, King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his father, stating, "Above all, you were a person who always stayed true to your values and commitments."
- Haakon expressed gratitude for the public's outpouring of grief, calling it a "powerful and moving experience" and noting that "it brings comfort and strength that so many are grieving together with us."
- Visibly moved, Haakon noted that his parents would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on Saturday, saying, "Happy wedding anniversary, dear Mum," choking back tears.
- Haakon thanked his father for being "a good dad" and acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "Now it is my turn."
- Tributes poured in from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who hailed the memory of "a strong, proud, and greatly respected man."
- King Haakon held audiences with leaders of the Church of Norway, parliament, and supreme court, and received Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store for a viewing of the late king's casket.
- Condolence books were set out across Norway, with Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe writing, "Dear King Harald, you didn't need a crown to be a king. Thank you so much for everything you have done for our city. We will never forget you."
Norway's new King Haakon VIII delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late father, King Harald V, during his first public address, reflecting on the profound loss felt across the nation. He described the experience of witnessing thousands of Norwegians gathering outside the Royal Palace as "powerful and moving" and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.12
"We are in mourning, yet at the same time it brings comfort and strength that so many are grieving together with us," Haakon stated, visibly emotional as he acknowledged the significance of the moment. He also noted that his parents would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on the day of his speech, saying, "Happy wedding anniversary, dear Mum," while choking back tears.
Haakon thanked his father for being "a good dad" and recognized the weight of his new responsibilities, declaring, "Now it is my turn." The nation has entered a period of mourning, with no funeral date set yet. City halls across Norway have opened condolence books for the public, with Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe being the first to write a tribute, stating, "Dear King Harald, you didn't need a crown to be a king. Thank you so much for everything you have done for our city. We will never forget you."78121314
Tributes have also come from global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who praised King Harald as "a strong, proud, and greatly respected man."
“In his speech, Haakon thanked his father for being "a good dad" and acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying "Now it is my turn." He also noted his parents would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on Saturday, and expressed gratitude for the public's outpouring of grief, calling it a "powerful and moving experience."”
