King Haakon VIII of Norway took the oath of allegiance before the Norwegian parliament on Tuesday, formally marking the first major institutional step of his reign following the death of his father, King Harald V, who passed away last Friday at the age of 89. Dressed in ceremonial uniform, the 53-year-old monarch pledged to govern in accordance with Norway’s constitution and laws, underscoring the largely symbolic role of the monarchy within the country’s constitutional framework.
The ceremony took place in the parliament’s main chamber, where Haakon recited the oath: “I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws, so help me God, the almighty and omniscient.” The event lasted approximately 17 minutes and was attended by key political figures, including the president of parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, members of the government, and lawmakers.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Haakon’s 22-year-old eldest daughter and heir apparent, was present at the parliament alongside her father, taking her own oath in writing at the Royal Palace. Also attending were Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, and the late king’s widow, Queen Sonja, 89. Queen Mette-Marit, 53, Haakon’s wife, was unable to attend due to ongoing complications following a lung transplant she underwent in June. Are Holm, head of the Pulmonary Department at Oslo University Hospital, stated that such complications are not unusual and that the queen required continuous observation on Tuesday.
The parliament’s president, Masud Gharahkhani, highlighted the late king Harald’s emphasis on compassion and values that support Norway’s liberal democracy during the ceremony. Haakon, in his first address to the nation as sovereign, described his father as a “wonderful father.”
Haakon’s accession to the throne was automatic upon his father’s death, in accordance with Norwegian law. Norway abolished the practice of coronations in 1908, so no formal coronation will take place.
Since Harald’s passing, tens of thousands of Norwegians have paid their respects at the Royal Palace’s chapel, where the late monarch lies in state. Public tributes include flowers, drawings, candles, and flags. His funeral is scheduled for September 9 at Oslo Cathedral, after which he will be interred in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.
Public support for the monarchy remains strong, with a recent poll indicating that 72 percent of Norwegians favor the monarchy, while 20 percent support a republic or alternative form of government. This represents an increase in royal approval since a May poll, which showed 64 percent support for the monarchy. The transition highlights Norway’s continued commitment to constitutional monarchy amid a period of national mourning.