Norway mourns King Harald V, with the royal family attending a memorial service in Asker. The Norwegian royal family attended a church service in honor of the late King Harald V on Sunday as part of nationwide commemorations and masses held across the country. New King Haakon VIII was present at the service in Asker Church alongside his children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and his mother, Queen Sonja. However, King Haakon’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, did not attend due to health reasons. She had undergone a lung transplant in June and still requires rest. The royal court announced that Mette-Marit would participate in other commemorative events in memory of the late king. Memorial services were held in numerous churches throughout Norway. One such service took place in Oslo Cathedral, where Prime Minister Jonas Grah Støre was also present. King Harald V passed away early Friday morning. Memorials and candles have been placed in many locations around the country so that anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so. Since news of the death of the beloved king spread, thousands of people have gathered at the square in front of the royal palace, leaving flowers, messages of condolence, and lighting candles. Haakon, Harald's son, is scheduled to take his constitutional oath before the Norwegian parliament on Tuesday, and the ceremony will be broadcast live on television. In his first address to the nation since ascending the throne, new King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his late father, King Harald V. Speaking on Saturday evening via Norwegian television and radio, Haakon expressed gratitude for his father being such a good father to Martha and himself. He noted that today marked the 58th anniversary of his parents' wedding. His voice briefly trembled as he turned to his mother and said, "Happy anniversary, dear mom." Talking about his upcoming reign, Haakon stated that he intends to follow his father's example while finding his own path as a monarch. "Now it is my turn," he said, adding that he and his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, want to be present, listen, and understand the different circumstances in people's lives. "We believe in Norway where there is a place for everyone," he emphasized. The king thanked the Norwegians for their outpouring of sympathy following his father's death and expressed gratitude to Harald for all he had done for the country. The new king is set to take his oath before the Norwegian parliament on Tuesday, with the ceremony being broadcast live on television. King Harald V died on Friday morning after a long illness. His passing has prompted widespread mourning across Norway, with public displays of grief evident in cities and towns. People have left flowers, notes of condolence, and lit candles outside the royal residence in Oslo. The king was known for his dedication to public service and his deep connection with the Norwegian people. He served as monarch for over five decades, during which time he became widely respected for his approachability and commitment to the nation. The transition of power from King Harald V to his son, Haakon, marks a significant moment in Norwegian history. Haakon, who is now the reigning monarch, has spoken openly about the emotional weight of assuming the role. He described his father as warm, humorous, loving, and generous, emphasizing how much he will miss his father’s laughter and his positive outlook on life and situations. Haakon also acknowledged the importance of his parents' marriage, which celebrated its 58th anniversary on the day of his speech. This personal touch added to the emotional impact of his address, highlighting the close relationship between the new king and his late father. As the nation prepares for the formal swearing-in ceremony, attention turns to the future under King Haakon’s rule. While he has pledged to continue his father’s legacy, he has also indicated that he wishes to forge his own path as a monarch. His vision for Norway includes a commitment to understanding and engaging with the diverse experiences of its citizens. The coming days will see further tributes to King Harald V, with more events planned to honor his life and contributions to the country. Meanwhile, the royal family continues to navigate this period of mourning, balancing personal grief with their public duties.
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