Tens of Thousands Mourn King Harald V, 53-Year-Old Haakon Takes Norway's Throne

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 29

Tens of thousands gathered outside Oslo’s royal palace on Saturday, laying flowers and cards a day after King Harald V died at 89 and Norway entered a new royal era.
Harald’s coffin arrived at the palace Friday evening from Oslo’s National Hospital, while churches and city halls across Norway opened for candle-lighting and condolence books.
53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon automatically became King Haakon VIII, adopted the motto “All for Norway,” and was due to meet top state and church officials before a first address.
Haakon takes over after years of stepping in as regent during his father’s declining health, with near-term pressure to reinforce support for the monarchy after family-linked controversies.
Norway is officially in mourning and has not set a funeral date; the monarchy remains largely symbolic but still carries public visibility in the wealthy nation.