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Family and unity stood out in Haakon VIII's first message

King Haakon VIII of Norway spoke to both his family and the country in his first televised address after the death of his father, Harald V. Speaking at the Royal Palace from a table beside a photo of the late king, two candles and white roses, the new monarch delivered an emotional farewell to his father.

Harald V died at the age of 89 on Friday morning in the hospital where he had been receiving treatment for a rare blood disorder. Harald, who spent 35 years on the throne, was widely seen in Norway as a modernizing monarch who maintained a close relationship with the public.

The 53-year-old Haakon VIII said in his speech that the responsibility now belonged to him, adding that he would try to become a more visible and attentive monarch. Describing how his father had held the family together with natural authority, the new king became emotional during part of his brief speech, saying, "Thank you for being a good father".

Message of justice, law and equality

The new king emphasized that the royal family believes in a society based on law and justice. Stressing the idea that everyone in the country has equal value, Haakon VIII underlined the importance of staying united in difficult times.

He also referred to his mother, Queen Sonja, noting that Saturday would have marked his parents' 58th wedding anniversary. He remembered his father as a warm grandfather and a devoted partner to his wife.

National mourning declared, oath in parliament on Tuesday

Outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, thousands gathered with flowers, notes and candles after news of Harald V's death. Haakon VIII said the shared grief had brought comfort and strength to the family.

As national mourning was declared in Norway, the date of the funeral has not yet been announced. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also laid flowers outside the palace and signed the condolence book.

  • Haakon VIII will swear his oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday.
  • He will later attend a religious consecration ceremony with Queen Mette-Marit, a simplified version of the traditional coronation Norway no longer holds.

New king takes the throne in a difficult period

Haakon VIII ascended the throne against a backdrop of family health issues and controversies. Queen Mette-Marit had previously apologized publicly after revelations of her three-year friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It has also been said that her health, following pulmonary fibrosis and a lung transplant, will not be considered fully stable until next year.

Pressure on the royal household increased further after Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, was convicted in June of rape and other offenses and sentenced to four years in prison; Høiby is appealing the ruling. Haakon's sister, Princess Märtha Louise, also stepped back from royal duties in 2024 after her marriage to an American spiritual figure and her commercial activities.

Even so, support for the monarchy in Norway has not disappeared entirely. Although a New Year's poll for Aftenposten showed approval falling from 72% to 54%, royal experts say Haakon VIII, as a respected and hardworking figure, is well placed to navigate the transition.

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