King Haakon Pays Tribute to Late Father in First Speech

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 30, 2026

King Haakon VIII gave his first public speech as Norway’s new king, honoring his late father, King Harald V, who died at 89, and promising to continue his legacy while addressing the nation’s mourning. His address highlighted the late king’s dedication and warmth, set the tone for Haakon’s forthcoming parliamentary oath, and emphasized inclusivity as he begins his reign.

Norway’s newly crowned King Haakon VIII delivered his first public address on Saturday, paying a heartfelt tribute to his late father, King Harald V, who passed away on Friday at the age of 89. The televised speech came as the nation gathered in mourning, with thousands of Norwegians leaving flowers, candles, and messages of condolence outside the Royal Palace in Oslo.

In his address, King Haakon reflected on his father's qualities as a dedicated family man and a respected monarch. He described Harald as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law, emphasizing the late king’s warmth, humor, and steadfast commitment to the Norwegian people. Haakon also acknowledged the challenging times Harald faced due to health issues, including a battle with haemolytic anaemia that had forced him to reduce his public engagements in recent years.

The speech coincided with the 58th wedding anniversary of King Harald and Queen Sonja, to whom Haakon sent a personal congratulation amid an emotional moment. He also expressed his gratitude for the public’s sympathy and support, describing the collective mourning as a source of comfort and strength for the royal family.

Haakon, 53, who ascended to the throne immediately following his father’s death, spoke of the "great task" now before him. He emphasized his intention to follow his father’s example while also carving out his own path as monarch. He pledged to remain engaged with Norwegians across diverse communities, stating that he and Queen Mette-Marit wanted to be present and attentive to the varying circumstances of people's lives, affirming their belief in a Norway inclusive of all.

Flags flew at half-mast in Oslo, and a national period of mourning was declared, though no date has yet been set for King Harald’s funeral. King Haakon is scheduled to take the oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday. Earlier on Saturday, he met with leaders of the Church of Norway, the parliament, and the supreme court, as well as Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who was seen interacting with mourners outside the palace.

The public response has been significant, with city halls across Norway opening condolence books for personal messages. Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, who postponed her own wedding due to the king’s passing, was among the first to write a tribute, praising Harald’s deep connection to the city.

While Norway abolished coronation ceremonies in 1908, there remains the possibility that King Haakon might seek a blessing for his reign at Trondheim Cathedral, a historical site for previous monarchs.

The royal family has faced personal difficulties in recent times. Queen Sonja, also 89, was hospitalized earlier this year for heart issues, and Queen Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in July due to a serious lung condition. Additionally, the family has been subject to public scrutiny: Mette-Marit's late association with Jeffrey Epstein and legal issues surrounding her son Marius Borg Høiby, who was sentenced in June and is appealing, have attracted media attention.

Despite these challenges, King Harald V was widely regarded as a symbol of a modern, modest, and open Norway, leaving a legacy that the new monarch aims to uphold as he steps into his new role.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.