Norway’s new King Haakon VIII has assumed the throne following the death of his father, King Harald V. In his first speech as monarch, Haakon reflected on the emotional significance of the moment and the support he has received from the Norwegian people. ‘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, according to the BBC.

Haakon’s Background and Royal Transition

King Haakon VIII is the fourth monarch of modern Norway since the country’s independence from Sweden in 1905. He is a direct descendant of Britain’s Queen Victoria, the great-great-great-grandson. Haakon’s transition to the throne was clean due to his prior experience as crown prince, during which he increasingly took on royal duties, especially as his father’s health declined. Historian Trond Norén Isaksen noted that Haakon is expected to be a different kind of king compared to his father, who was known for his charisma and humor.

King Harald V had long praised his son, writing in his biography, The King Tells, that ‘I am so lucky that Crown Prince Haakon is the one who will carry this forward.’ Haakon’s daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, 22, now becomes the new crown princess and heir to the throne.

Public Response and National Mourning

Thousands of Norwegians gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay tribute to the late King Harald V. The public outpouring included flowers, candles, and messages of condolence. ‘We are in mourning, yet at the same time it brings comfort and strength that so many are grieving together with us,’ Haakon said in his speech. The national mourning period continues, with no official date yet set for Harald V’s funeral.

Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, joined the public in laying flowers and signing a book of condolences. He described the country as ‘united in grief and gratitude’ for the late king. The mourning period has become a symbol of national unity, as Norwegians express their respect for the long-serving monarch who was deeply admired by the public.

Challenges for the New Monarch

Haakon faces a range of challenges as he begins his reign. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, has been receiving medical care for pulmonary fibrosis since 2018 and underwent a lung transplant earlier this year. Doctors will not declare her stable until 2025, meaning Haakon must balance his royal duties with her care.

In addition, Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny for her past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, for which she publicly apologized. The royal family also dealt with controversy when Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of sexual offenses in June and sentenced to four years in prison. He is currently appealing the decision.

Haakon will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and later participate in a consecration service with his wife. Unlike traditional coronations, Norway’s monarchy no longer holds full coronation ceremonies. The new king’s leadership will be tested as he handles these personal and public challenges while maintaining the dignity and stability of the Norwegian monarchy.