Norway's King Haakon honours 'dear father' Harald in first speech as sovereign

Oslo - King Haakon VIII of Norway paid tribute to his father, King Harald, in his inaugural address as sovereign, visibly moved when discussing his widowed mother, Queen Sonja. Harald, who rose to power after overcoming the shadow of his beloved, charismatic father, passed away at 89. During a televised speech from the palace, King Haakon affectionately acknowledged his father as a "warm family man" and expressed his deep sorrow at losing him.

The speech noted that Saturday would have marked their 58th wedding anniversary, to which Haakon addressed his surviving mother, Queen Sonja. He affirmed his intention to govern with his own approach, as his father had done before him, emphasizing Norway's commitment to its constitutional monarchy and democratic principles. Haakon emphasized Norway's inclusive spirit, stating that the nation stands as "one people."

As mourners gathered outside the palace to bid farewell, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere highlighted Haakon's shared qualities with his father, particularly his ability to foster unity and inclusiveness.