King Haakon of Norway participates in the homage to his late father, marked by the absence of Mette-Marit

The death of King Harald V of Norway has triggered a series of formal procedures marking the transition to his son, Crown Prince Haakon, who immediately assumed the role of head of state. The late monarch passed away this Friday, prompting immediate preparations for both the succession process and the funeral arrangements. Haakon, 53, will formally notify the government of his father’s death during an extraordinary session of the Council of State, which serves as a confirmation of his new duties rather than an election. This council traditionally allows the new king to announce his chosen name and motto, following the tradition set by his father and grandfather, who used the phrase “Everything for Norway.” Until he officially declares his choice, he will be referred to publicly as His Majesty the King. The funeral plans for King Harald V have been detailed, with the coffin initially placed in the Red Hall of the Palace, accompanied by royal insignias transported from Oslo. After several days, the coffin and insignias will move to the palace chapel, opening access to the public for a viewing. Military cadets from three military academies in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim will stand guard around the coffin. The funeral itself is scheduled for either Sunday or Wednesday, with ceremonies taking place in cathedrals nationwide. A private moment will occur in the palace chapel for family members before a public procession begins. The procession will start with a 21-gun salute from Akershus Fortress, followed by a march from the palace to Oslo Cathedral, where soldiers from all branches of the armed forces will line up along the route. The funeral service will take place in the cathedral, after which the coffin will be moved to the crypt beneath Akershus Church for burial. Following the ceremony, the national flag, which had been flown at half-mast, will be raised fully. The new king and his family will appear on the palace balcony to greet the public, after which a reception will be held for officials and guests attending the funeral. Haakon’s ascension to the throne was automatic, though formalities remain. He must soon swear an oath before the Norwegian Parliament, as mandated by the constitution. The oath includes a promise to govern the kingdom according to law. While coronations were abolished in 1908, Haakon might choose to undergo a consecration ceremony in Trondheim Cathedral, where previous kings were crowned between 1814 and 1906. However, neither Haakon nor Queen Mette-Marit is expected to undergo a coronation. National mourning has been declared, with the funeral set for September 9. On Sunday, memorial services took place across the country, including one in Asker, south of Oslo, attended by Haakon, his daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra, his son Prince Sverre Magnus, and his mother Queen Sonia. Queen Mette-Marit did not attend due to ongoing recovery from a lung transplant she received earlier this year. The bishop of Oslo, Sunniva Gylver, highlighted King Harald’s ability to offer comfort amid global challenges such as war, climate change, and political polarization. She noted how Harald often addressed these issues in speeches, fostering unity among citizens. Haakon is expected to take his oath before the Storting, Norway's parliament, on Tuesday. Despite the absence of a coronation, the transition marks a significant shift in the nation’s leadership. The new king will determine titles for other members of the royal family, including his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, and his mother, Queen Sonia. His daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, automatically became the heir apparent, while his younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, moves into second position in the line of succession. The exact names and titles chosen by Haakon will be announced once he makes them official.