King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered his first televised address to the nation on Saturday, paying tribute to his father King Harald following his death on Friday. The 53-year-old monarch spoke to the public after a period of national mourning was declared across the Scandinavian kingdom.
In his speech broadcast on national television, King Haakon said the royal family was in mourning, but seeing so many people share their grief brought them comfort and strength. His father, King Harald, passed away at the age of 89 after reigning for 35 years as a unifying figure for the country.
Earlier on Saturday, the new sovereign held formal meetings with key state officials, receiving the president of parliament, the chief justice of the supreme court, and leaders of the Church of Norway. Following his meeting with the monarch, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre delivered a brief address to mark the transition of power.
Prime Minister Støre said an era had ended and a new one was beginning, declaring that the king was dead and long live the king. He added that the Norwegian public would remember King Harald for his deep love of his people, his humor, his human warmth, and his unwavering faith in the nation.
Royal Succession and Constitutional Oath
King Haakon VIII will formally swear an oath of allegiance to the Constitution on Tuesday, proceeding with the constitutional transition ahead of the royal funeral. The date for the royal funeral has not yet been announced, and its conclusion will mark the official end of the national mourning period.
Like his father before him, the new king will fulfill duties that are essentially protocol and ceremonial under Norway's constitutional framework. He chose the regnal name Haakon VIII and reaffirmed his commitment to walking in the footsteps of his ancestors by keeping the royal motto, All for Norway.
Traditions of the Norwegian Monarchy
Norway does not hold formal coronation ceremonies for its monarchs, as the practice was officially abolished in 1908. Between 1814 and 1906, Norwegian kings were crowned at Trondheim Cathedral, the historic cathedral located in the city of Trondheim.
King Haakon VIII may choose to follow the precedent set by his father and grandfather by having his reign blessed during a dedication service at Trondheim Cathedral. Before his death on Friday at the age of 89, King Harald had served as the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, leading the nation since 1991.
