Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII, will take his oath of allegiance to the constitution tomorrow, following the death of his father, King Harald V. The announcement was made by the Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, who confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place in parliament and will be broadcast live on television. The royal family has already begun preparations, with the body of the late monarch being transported from the hospital in Oslo to the Royal Palace. The public is expected to gather in large numbers outside the palace, where they will pay tribute to the long-serving ruler. The 53-year-old Haakon VIII, who succeeded his father after 35 years on the throne, will take his oath at 1 p.m. local time tomorrow. According to the constitution, he will formally declare: “I promise and swear that I will rule the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with the Constitution and laws, and that I shall be guided by Almighty and All-Knowing God.” The ceremony will be televised, allowing the entire nation to witness the historic moment. A period of mourning has been declared, lasting until the funeral, which has yet to be scheduled. King Harald V. died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, August 28, in the University Hospital in Oslo at the age of 89. He had been hospitalized since August 17 due to hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells break down faster than the bone marrow can replace them. His health had deteriorated over recent years, leading him to reduce his official duties, with his son Haakon acting as regent. Despite his frailty, Harald refused to abdicate, insisting that he would continue serving the country until his final days. His passing has prompted widespread grief across Norway, with thousands gathering in the rain outside the royal palace to mourn. The national flag has been lowered to half-mast, and flowers are being laid in memory of the beloved monarch. The royal family, including Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus, has been present at the hospital during the final hours. Haakon, too, remained by his father's side through the night. The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, expressed deep sorrow at the news, stating that the entire nation grieves while remaining deeply grateful for the long life Harald dedicated to Norway. “King Harald loved Norway, and Norway loved its king,” he said. The government plans to convene an emergency session shortly and will meet with the new king at the Royal Palace. The death of King Harald V. has also drawn condolences from other European monarchies and world leaders. British King Charles III called him a “beloved uncle” and praised his unwavering dedication to the people. Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Belgian, and Dutch royalty have all extended their sympathy, recognizing Harald as a symbol of stability and service. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described him as a true European, having served his country with warmth, humility, and steadfast duty for decades. Religious services have also been held in honor of the late king, with churches across Norway opening their doors for mourning and prayer. The Church of Norway has urged citizens to reflect on the life and legacy of Harald, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion. Church bells will ring throughout the day as a sign of remembrance, marking a solemn yet hopeful chapter in the nation’s history. Meanwhile, the transition of power continues smoothly, with Haakon VIII preparing to assume the role of king. As the new monarch takes his oath, the nation looks forward to the future, carrying with it the enduring spirit of a leader who devoted his life to service and connection.
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