Norway turns the page as Haakon takes over after King Harald’s death

Norway transitioned to a new era on Saturday with the ascension of King Haakon VIII, who now leads the Scandinavian nation following the passing of his father, King Harald, on Friday morning at the age of 89. Thousands of Norwegians gathered in the capital, Oslo, to mourn and pay their respects to the long-serving monarch. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store addressed the nation, praising Harald for his role as a unifying figure who led the country through significant changes over the past 35 years.

Haakon, aged 53 at the time of his ascension, inherited a monarchy that has faced recent controversies but is praised for its modernity and modesty. The new king arrived at the royal palace earlier with his daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, to officially inform the government of his father's death. Haakon thanked the Norwegian people for their support during this difficult time.

The Norwegian Parliament announced that Haakon would swear an oath of allegiance to the nation in its main chamber on Tuesday. The period of national mourning is expected to last until Harald's funeral, the date of which has not yet been determined. Unlike traditional monarchies, Norway has not crowned its monarchs since 1908, but Haakon could opt to have his reign blessed during a ceremony at Trondheim Cathedral, where Norwegian kings were crowned until the early 20th century.

Harald, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, had been under hospital care since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia. His death marked the end of an era of stability and open-minded leadership. Tributes poured in from around the world, including from European monarchies and world leaders like Donald Trump, who remembered Harald as a "strong, proud, and greatly respected man."