King Haakon VIII Gives First Speech at 53, Honoring Harald V on 58th Anniversary
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 29
King Haakon VIII Gives First Speech at 53, Honoring Harald V on 58th Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 29
Summary
King Haakon VIII used his first televised address to thank Harald V for being “such a good dad,” choking back tears as Norway mourned the monarch who died Friday at 89.
Saturday would have marked Harald and Queen Sonja’s 58th wedding anniversary, and Haakon framed his accession as a pledge to be “present and attentive” while stressing unity, equality and shared grief.
Thousands of Norwegians have left flowers, candles and tributes outside Oslo’s royal palace during a national mourning period, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre saying the country is united in grief and gratitude.
Tuesday brings Haakon’s oath in parliament, followed later by a consecration service with Queen Mette-Marit instead of a coronation, as he takes the throne amid family health strains, scandals and softer support for the monarchy.
Aftenposten polling earlier this year showed backing for the monarchy at 54%, down from 72% in 2024, though royal experts say the new king is still widely respected and capable of steadying the institution.