Norway’s new King Haakon VIII has paid tribute to his late father in his first address to the nation, describing King Harald V as a loving parent, devoted husband and monarch who made people feel at ease.
Speaking from the Royal Palace in Oslo on Saturday evening, the 53-year-old monarch sat beside a portrait of Harald, whose coffin is lying in state. His speech was broadcast live across the country as Norway entered a period of national mourning.
“Dear Dad,” King Haakon began. “Thank you for being such a good father to Märtha and me. Warm and reassuring. You were also a gentle and funny grandfather.”
He continued by recalling Harald as “a loving and thoughtful husband” and “a brother and uncle whom everyone loved spending time with”.
“I’m going to miss him,” he said. “I’ll miss his laughter. His good-natured way of dealing with people and situations. My father always made those around him feel at ease.”
Haakon also thanked Norwegians for the flowers, candles and messages left outside the palace following his father’s death.
“We are in mourning,” he said. “At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us.”
The King added: “It has been a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people, flowers, messages of condolence, and candles. Thank you so much.”
Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6.35am on Friday, August 28, aged 89. He had been receiving treatment in hospital after his health deteriorated following an infection. The Royal Palace formally announced his death, prompting an immediate transfer of the crown to his only son.
Haakon confirmed his accession during an extraordinary meeting of Norway’s Council of State on Friday. He said he would take the name Haakon VIII and retain the motto used by his father, grandfather and great-grandfather: “All for Norway”. (kongehuset.no)
The transition was marked by a traditional viewing at the palace on Saturday, attended by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the presiding bishop of the Church of Norway and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The ceremony represents the Government’s formal recognition of the change from the late King to his successor. (regjeringen.no)
A national mourning period has been declared from the day of Harald’s death until after his funeral, which will take place at Oslo Cathedral. The date has not yet been announced.
Flags are being flown at half-mast at royal residences, government buildings and military bases. Churches across Norway have been asked to mark the mourning period, while condolence books and places for people to lay flowers or light candles have been made available.
The Government has said public services and most businesses will continue as normal, although social events organised by state institutions are being cancelled or postponed. The funeral day will be marked by a minute’s silence across the country, beginning at 1pm. (regjeringen.no)
Harald had reigned for 35 years and was widely regarded as a steady and approachable head of state. His death was also mourned by King Charles III, who described him as a “much-loved kinsman and friend” and extended his condolences to Queen Sonja and the wider Norwegian Royal Family.
The British and Norwegian royal families are related through King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Denmark. Charles and Harald were second cousins once removed.
King Haakon now assumes the throne at a difficult moment for the Norwegian monarchy. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, has faced scrutiny over her past contact with Jeffrey Epstein, while her son Marius Borg Høiby was convicted earlier this year on two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.
Haakon and Mette-Marit have two children together: Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20. Ingrid Alexandra is now next in line after her father and would become Norway’s first reigning queen for more than six centuries if she eventually succeeds to the throne.
Haakon’s elder sister, Princess Märtha Louise, no longer carries out official royal duties after relinquishing her role in 2022. Her marriage to the American spiritual adviser Durek Verrett and the couple’s television projects have also attracted controversy.
For now, however, the new King has placed the focus firmly on his father’s life and service.
“As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy,” he said, recalling Harald’s visits across the country and his work on Norway’s behalf overseas. “He was willing to risk everything, even his life, for Norway’s freedom and independence.”
