Norwegians Hold Memorials for King Harald V, as Haakon VIII Takes Throne at 89
Updated
Updated · WRAL News · Aug 30
Norwegians Hold Memorials for King Harald V, as Haakon VIII Takes Throne at 89
3 articles · Updated · WRAL News · Aug 30
Summary
Tens of thousands of Norwegians lined up at churches Sunday and left flowers and candles in Oslo after King Harald V died Friday at 89.
Haakon VIII, Harald’s son, used his first televised speech as king to mourn his father and vow to give “everything” for Norway, even his life if needed.
The new king adopted the motto “All for Norway”; Mette-Marit became queen and Ingrid Alexandra became crown princess and heir.
No funeral date has been set, but Norway is in official mourning, with some people postponing weddings and baptisms until the period ends.
Haakon now faces the task of reinforcing support for Norway’s largely symbolic monarchy after controversies tied to Mette-Marit’s past Epstein contacts and his stepson’s rape conviction.