New Norwegian King Haakon VIII takes oath on the constitution

The new Norwegian king, Haakon VIII, is set to deliver his first public speech today, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s mourning period following the death of King Harald V. The somber atmosphere persists in Oslo, even days after the monarch's passing, with citizens reflecting on the loss of a revered leader. According to the royal household, Haakon will address the public during a televised ceremony at 7 p.m. local time. This marks the beginning of a formal transition of power, as the country continues to honor its late sovereign. Haakon assumed the throne immediately upon his father’s death on Friday, a moment captured in history as he took over the reins of the monarchy. On Saturday, he received government officials at the palace, signaling the start of his official duties. The next major step in his coronation process will occur on Tuesday, when he will take the oath of allegiance to the constitution, a ritual that will be broadcast live for the public to witness. These events follow a well-established protocol for the succession of a monarch, which has been followed since the death of previous rulers. Throughout the country, citizens have expressed their grief through personal messages left in condolence books available in towns and cities. In Oslo, Mayor Anne Lindboe was among the first to offer her heartfelt condolences, writing, “You did not need a crown to be a king.” Such tributes reflect the deep respect and affection many Norwegians hold for the late king. The national church has also played a central role in the mourning process, with services held in numerous churches and all eleven cathedrals across the country. In Oslo Cathedral, a funeral service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The service will be led by Olav Fykse Tveit, the head bishop of the state church, who described the nation’s sorrow and gratitude toward Harald V. “We mourn the loss of King Harald and feel deep, sincere gratitude for everything he meant to us through his life and work,” Tveit stated. These religious observances underscore the cultural and spiritual significance of the monarchy within Norwegian society. For those wishing to pay their respects personally, the royal family has arranged for visitors to view the closed coffin in the chapel of the Royal Palace. After a brief visit to the Red Hall, the casket will be displayed on a covered catafalque at specific times, allowing the public to approach and offer their final farewell. The royal insignia, including the crown, will be placed atop the coffin, symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy. While the exact date of the funeral has not yet been announced, preparations are underway for a state funeral, which will include both a private ceremony and a public procession. The funeral will feature two distinct phases: an intimate gathering in the palace chapel attended by close family members, followed by a public procession to Oslo Cathedral. From there, the body will be carried in another solemn march to the Church of Akershus, where it will rest permanently. The day of the funeral is not officially declared a holiday, but workers and students will be granted time off to attend the ceremonies. At noon, a nationwide minute of silence will be observed, reinforcing the collective remembrance of the deceased. Norwegian tradition does not include a traditional coronation ceremony, instead opting for a more modern form of inauguration. Following the death of King Olav V in 1958, a new blessing ceremony was introduced, a practice continued by Harald V and Queen Sonja in 1991. It is expected that a similar ceremony will take place for Haakon, followed by a symbolic journey across the country, a tradition that honors the connection between the monarch and the people. As the nation moves forward, the legacy of King Harald V will remain deeply embedded in the hearts of Norwegians.