Following the death of King Harald V on Friday at age 89 from haemolytic anaemia, Crown Prince Haakon immediately became King Haakon VIII. In his first public speech as monarch, Haakon expressed deep gratitude to the Norwegian people for their outpouring of support and condolences. ‘We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us,’ he said, as reported by Norway’s public broadcaster NRK.

Public Mourning and National Tributes

Tens of thousands of Norwegians gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects, while the Palace Square was filled with people, flowers, messages of condolence, and candles. Haakon called the scene ‘a powerful and moving experience’ and thanked the public for their support.

Across the country, churches and city halls opened specially for people to light candles and write in condolence books, though the government has declared a national mourning period, which will last until after the funeral. A date for the funeral has not yet been announced, but the Church of Norway will hold memorial services on Sunday.

Personal Reflections and Hopes for the Future

In his speech, Haakon reflected on his father’s legacy. ‘As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy, through visits around the country, at events here at the royal palace, and while working on Norway’s behalf around the world,’ he said. Haakon also expressed personal grief, saying he would miss his father’s laughter and his ‘good-natured way of dealing with people and situations.’

Haakon adopted the motto ‘All for Norway,’ which dates back to his great-grandfather. ‘And that means — in the ultimate sense, being willing to risk everything, even one’s life, for Norway’s freedom and independence,’ he said, according to WRAL.

Upcoming Constitutional Oath and Public Engagement

Haakon is due to take an oath to defend Norway’s constitution and laws before the legislature on Tuesday. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of democracy and a society built on law and justice. ‘We believe in our popular government, and in democracy. We believe in a society built on law and justice, and where everyone is of equal value,’ he said.

On Friday, Haakon,who had ascended to the throne the moment his father died,received members of the government at the palace — Next Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., Haakon will take the prescribed oath to the Constitution. The Norwegian public will be able to watch the event live on television, as reported by Kronen Zeitung.