King Haakon VIII has taken the throne in Norway following the death of his father, Harald V
Harald, who was on the throne for 35 years, died early on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo where he was being treated for a rare blood condition
The Norwegian PM says “a whole nation is in mourning” following his death my
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, has said the country is “united in grief and gratitude” following the death of Harald V.
In a televised memorial address, Støre said the late king’s “legacy lives on” and offered condolences to Queen Sonja and the royal family.
He also welcomed Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII, and Queen Mette-Marit, into their new roles.
The late king was a popular leader and is credited with modernising the Norwegian monarchy – he broke with tradition by marrying a commoner, Queen Sonja
Flowers are being laid at a memorial near the palace, and the UK’s King Charles III shares his “most heartfelt condolences”
King Haakon has met with government ministers at the Royal Palace in the capital
He has opted to keep the family’s long-standing royal motto: “All for Norway”
Haakon VIII keeps family’s long-standing royal motto
King Haakon VIII has announced his royal motto, choosing the same words used by his father, grandfather and great-grandfather: “All for Norway”.
The new king made the announcement during his first cabinet meeting after succeeding his father.
King Haakon VIII has become the new king of Norway following the death of his father, Harald V.
Haakon is the fourth king to head Norway’s modern monarchy, since it was restored in 1905 after the country gained independence from Sweden.
He worked closely with his father as he carried out royal duties, and in recent years took on more responsibilities as Harald was ill or absent.
He becomes King at a turbulent time for Norway’s royal family. The monarchy is popular, but has been beset by scandal in recent years.
The new king’s wife Mette-Marit has apologised for ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, has been convicted of rape in a high-profile trial. He is appealing against the conviction.
