New Norwegian King's Speech
Norway's New King Pays Tribute to Late Father in First Official Speech
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King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his late father, King Harald V, who died at age 89 on Friday, August 28, 2026. In his first televised address on Saturday, the new Norwegian king called his father a person who "always stayed true to your values and commitments" and described the public mourning as a "powerful and moving experience." Multiple News Outlets reported that tens of thousands gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay respects.
Norway is now in an official period of national mourning as the country adjusts to its new monarch. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced: "An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king." King Haakon VIII adopted the royal motto "Everything for Norway" and is scheduled to swear an oath of accession before Parliament on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
A 35-Year Reign Marked by Modernization
King Harald V reigned for more than 35 years, beginning in January 1991 after the death of King Olav V. He became a modernizing force for the Norwegian monarchy, championing inclusion, equality, and democratic values during a period of economic prosperity. News Sources noted that Harald V held near-universal public affection across the nation.
Harald V's life spanned major historical events. During World War II, he spent childhood years in exile in the United States following Nazi occupation of Norway. His long reign established him as a stabilizing symbol of national unity for Norway's population of 5.5 million people.
National Mourning and Memorial Services Begin
Tens of thousands of Norwegians left flowers and written tributes at Palace Square in Oslo following the king's death. Multiple Outlets reported that the Church of Norway initiated memorial services across the country, with the royal family expected to attend. Public celebrations have been postponed until after the official mourning period concludes.
According to News Reports, Parliament will convene on Tuesday, September 1, for King Haakon VIII to swear a solemn oath of accession before the Storting, Norway's legislative body. The country has no traditional coronation ceremony—those were abolished in Norway in 1908—though the new king may choose a church consecration service.
Haakon VIII Inherits Monarchy Facing Serious Challenges
While Harald V enjoyed widespread public affection, King Haakon VIII inherits a monarchy shadowed by family controversies. Queen Mette-Marit, his wife and now Queen Consort, faced scrutiny in 2026 after unsealed documents revealed hundreds of communications linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. News Sources noted this damage to the monarchy's public image.
The new king's stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced in June 2026 to four years in prison for rape and domestic assault. Reports indicated that royal commentators view Haakon VIII's early reign as requiring careful public relations to maintain public trust in the institution. The young monarch has pledged to "give everything for the country" and protect Norway's freedom and independence.
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