New King Haakon VIII pays emotional tribute to late father Harald V in first address to Norway

In a televised address punctuated by moments of visible emotion, King Haakon VIII sat at a desk beside a picture of the late king, two lit candles and a bowl of white roses. He noted that Saturday would have been his parents' 58th wedding anniversary, appearing to choke back tears as he spoke.

"Thank you for being such a good dad," Haakon said. "Now it is my turn."

The new king described Harald as a 'warm and funny grandfather' to his six grandchildren and a 'loving and caring husband' to Queen Sonja. He recalled that his father had brought the family together 'with a natural authority' of which he might not have been aware himself.

"He constantly reminded us in the family that each of us must do things in our own way. Find our own style. Be ourselves," Haakon said.

The speech also stressed national unity. Haakon said the royal family believed in a 'society built on law and justice, where everyone is of equal value'.

He remarked on the 'powerful and moving experience' of seeing thousands of Norwegians gather outside the palace with flowers and candles. 'We are in mourning, yet at the same time it brings comfort and strength that so many are grieving together with us,' he said.

Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, laid flowers outside the palace and signed a book of condolences after greeting the new king, saying the country was 'united in grief and gratitude'.

King Haakon will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and later participate in a consecration service with his wife, Queen Mette-Marit. A national period of mourning has been declared, though no date has yet been set for King Harald's funeral.

Why This Matters

Norway transitions to a new monarch for the first time in 35 years, with King Haakon VIII expected to bring a generational shift while building on Harald V's legacy as a moderniser and 'people's king'.
The speech's emphasis on national unity and equal value signals the new king's priorities in a country that deeply respects its constitutional monarchy.
The unprecedented public mourning — thousands gathering outside the palace — reflects both attachment to the late king and high expectations for his successor.

Background

King Harald V reigned from 1991 until his death on Friday at age 89. He was widely seen as a unifying figure who modernised the monarchy. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, now becomes King Haakon VIII at age 53. Harald had been treated in hospital for a rare blood condition prior to his death. A national period of mourning has been declared, with flags lowered and official events postponed. Oslo's mayor cancelled a planned wedding ceremony in the city following the king's death.

Key Perspectives

The new monarch, King Haakon VIII: Struck a tone of gratitude and humility, honouring his father's values while acknowledging the weight of his new role. He expressed a desire to be 'present and attentive'. The Norwegian public and political leaders: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke of a nation 'united in grief and gratitude', with thousands of citizens laying flowers and candles outside the palace. Critics/Skeptics: No notable opposition or critical perspectives have been reported in the immediate aftermath. The transition appears smooth, though the new king's style and decisions will be closely watched.

What to Watch

The date of King Harald's funeral, once announced, will draw large crowds and international dignitaries.
King Haakon VIII's oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and the subsequent consecration service will formalise his accession.
The new king's early actions and public engagements will signal whether he continues his father's emphasis on accessibility and modernisation.

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