Norway observes national mourning as King Haakon VIII ascends the throne
Following the death of King Harald V, Norway entered a period of mourning and his son Haakon assumed the monarchy, beginning his reign with an oath ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.
Norway entered a period of national mourning after the death of King Harald V, who died in hospital at 06:35 local time at the age of 89 following treatment for a rare blood condition. Crowds gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to lay flowers and flags, and an estimated 10,000 people lined the streets to view the public procession of his coffin.
The 53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon was sworn in as King Haakon VIII in an extraordinary council of state meeting with government ministers, stating his intention to uphold the royal family’s motto “All for Norway.” He is expected to take an oath before parliament on Tuesday and later participate in a consecration service.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre placed flowers at the palace, signed a condolence book and said the country was “united in grief and gratitude.” In a televised address, he added that the late king’s “legacy lives on.”
European monarchs, including King Charles III, and other political leaders sent tributes. Norway’s footballer Erling Haaland posted a message of thanks to the late king on social media.
At noon, the Norwegian Armed Forces performed a 21-shot salute from Akershus Fortress. The king’s coffin was moved from the chapel at Rikshospitalet to the royal palace, where it will lie in state until a funeral date is announced. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and non-essential public events are being cancelled or postponed.
Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe postponed her wedding due to the mourning period. Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, accompanied her father during the ceremony and remains next in line under the 1990 succession law.
The new monarch assumes his duties amid recent health issues and legal matters involving members of the extended royal family, including a past association of Queen Mette-Marit with a convicted offender and a recent conviction of her son from a previous relationship.