Norwegian King Haakon Takes Oath as Queen Mette-Marit Remains Hospitalized

King Haakon took the constitutional oath before Norway's parliament on Tuesday, marking the formal start of his reign following the death of his father, Harald V. The ceremony was attended by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who watched her father assume the throne.

Queen Mette-Marit did not attend the oath-taking. The Royal Court said she was under medical observation at Oslo University Hospital because of complications after a lung transplant performed in June. The court added that such complications are common during recovery.

"Complications following a lung transplant are common. The Queen has experienced difficulties on several occasions since the operation, including today," the Royal Court statement read.

Norwegian media reported that King Haakon accompanied his wife to the hospital in his car, though the palace declined to comment further. The queen’s health issues have also kept her from recent royal events, including the funeral preparations for Harald V scheduled for September 9.