- King Harald died at age 89, leading to Haakon automatically becoming king.
- On Tuesday, Haakon was driven to the Storting and swore the oath of allegiance to the constitution, pledging to uphold Norway's laws.
- Queen Mette-Marit canceled her attendance at the ceremony due to complications from her lung transplant.
- A Norstat poll indicates that 72% of Norwegians support the monarchy, an increase from 64% in May.
- Harald's coffin is currently at the royal palace chapel, where the public can pay their respects until September 8.
- Harald's funeral is set to take place on September 9 in Oslo, with heads of state from around the world invited.
Norway's new King Haakon VIII took his oath in parliament on September 1, following the death of his father, King Harald, at the age of 89. During the 17-minute ceremony, Haakon pledged to uphold the country's constitution and laws, stating, "I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws, so help me God, the Almighty and Omniscient."123
House speaker Masud Gharahkhani announced the late king's death and Haakon's succession, emphasizing the values of compassion and democracy that Harald represented. Gharahkhani remarked, "Compassion was the core of his message in good times and tough times."
Despite the transition, the monarchy remains popular, with a recent poll indicating that 72% of Norwegians support it, a rise from 64% in May. The royal family, which dates back to the ninth century, plays a largely symbolic role in Norway's constitutional monarchy, where most political power lies with the elected government.
Queen Mette-Marit was absent from the ceremony due to complications from a lung transplant she underwent in June. A palace statement noted that complications are not uncommon, and she must remain under observation. Her absence was felt as she had just participated in the coffin procession the day before.45
King Harald's coffin is lying in state at the palace chapel until September 8, with a funeral scheduled for September 9, where heads of state from around the world are expected to attend.89
“Queen Mette-Marit's doctor, Are Holm, said complications after a lung transplant are not uncommon, and she remains under observation. A Norstat poll shows 72% support for the monarchy, up from 64% in May, with Harald's funeral set for September 9.”
dw.com
