King Haakon VIII delivers first address after father's death
Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII, gave his inaugural speech on Saturday, honoring his late father, King Harald, who died at age 89. He praised Harald for representing Norway with pride and joy and pledged to listen to the Norwegian people. Thousands gathered outside the royal palace to pay respects, and a national mourning period has been declared.
King Harald's 35-year reign ended with his death on Friday, following a period of ill health related to haemolytic anaemia. His funeral date has not yet been set, though the Church of Norway will hold memorial services nationwide on Sunday, and condolence books have been opened in churches and city halls.
Haakon's accession comes amid personal controversy, including scrutiny of Queen Mette-Marit's past association with Jeffrey Epstein and the June sentencing of his stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby, to four years in prison. The new king will formally swear an oath to defend Norway's constitution before the legislature on Tuesday.
This transition of power may shape public trust in Norway's monarchy during a delicate moment, as the new king inherits the throne amid personal scandals involving his family. The national mourning period could unite citizens in shared grief, but lingering controversies may also fuel renewed debate about the institution's role in modern Norwegian society. How Haakon navigates these tensions could influence the monarchy's standing for years.