King Haakon VIII of Norway begins his reign; swears the Constitution before Parliament

King Haakon VIII of Norway began his reign with a constitutional oath before the Norwegian Parliament, marking the start of his rule four days after the death of his father, King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89. The ceremony took place in Oslo, where Haakon VIII stood before the Storting, the country’s parliament, and pledged to govern according to Norway's Constitution and laws. He was flanked by his daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the heir apparent. The event unfolded shortly after the passing of King Harald V, whose health had deteriorated due to a blood infection. His body will be laid to rest on September 9, following a funeral service. The new monarch expressed hope that the “good relationship” maintained by previous rulers, Harald V, his father, and his grandfather, Olav V, with the parliamentary institution would continue. He emphasized the importance of this bond in addressing future challenges facing the nation. Queen Mette-Marit, the king’s wife, could not attend the ceremony due to complications arising from a lung transplant she received earlier this year. She remains under observation. In contrast, other royal family members were present, including Prince Sverre Magnus, the younger son of the late king, and Queen Sonia, widow of Harald V. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other government officials also attended the proceedings. The ceremony lasted approximately twenty minutes and concluded with all attendees singing the national anthem, “Kongesangen.” The princess heir will also take a similar oath, though hers will be written rather than spoken. This tradition, rooted in the 19th century, has been observed periodically throughout Norway’s history. It was last conducted on January 21, 1991, when Harald V swore the constitution following the death of his father, Olav V. King Haakon VIII arrived at the Storting in a vintage Lincoln Continental 1966 convertible, the same vehicle used for the weddings of both Harald and Sonia, and later Haakon and Mette-Marit. Thousands of citizens accompanied the monarch during his journey through central Oslo, while others formed lines outside the Royal Palace for visits to the chapel where Harald V’s coffin will remain until the day of his burial, which is scheduled for September 8. The president of the Storting, Masud Gharahkhani, delivered a speech following the ceremony, highlighting the legacy left by the late king. He praised Harald V’s unwavering defense of the Constitution and democracy, describing him as a symbol of security, continuity, and unity. Gharahkhani acknowledged the heavy yet unique inheritance that the new monarchy now assumes. This moment marks a transition in Norway’s royal lineage, continuing a tradition that has shaped the nation’s governance for centuries. As the new king begins his duties, the focus remains on maintaining stability and upholding the values that have long defined the Norwegian monarchy.