Norway’s new King Haakon remembers ‘dear father’ Harald in first speech as sovereign
New monarch Haakon VIII paid an emotional tribute to his late father, Harald V, in his first address to the nation. Vowing to follow his own path, Haakon pledged to uphold Norway’s democracy, unity and inclusive values.
Norway's new King Haakon VIII paid homage to his late father, King Harald V, in his inaugural address as sovereign. Haakon described his father as "such a wonderful papa" and emphasized his commitment to values and duties. The king mourned Harald's passing, expressing relief in knowing that many shared in their grief. Harald, who ruled for over three decades, was remembered as a reformer and popular monarch.
Haakon, now 39, became king upon his father's death at 89. He praised his father as a warm and devoted family man and spoke of his widowed mother, Queen Sonja, whose 58th wedding anniversary was Saturday. Flags flew at half-mast as Haakon met with leaders of various institutions and received Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. He vowed to uphold Norway's constitutional monarchy and constitutional oath in parliament on Tuesday.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Norway's new king remembers 'my dear father' in first speech bbc.co.uk
- Norway’s new King Haakon remembers ‘dear father’ Harald in first speech as sovereign dw.com
- Norway mourns King Harald as crowds gather at royal palace sabcnews.com
- Norway mourns King Harald as crowds gather at royal palace brecorder.com
- King Salman and Crown Prince condole King of Norway over death of King Harald V saudigazette.com.sa
- Norway’s new king pays tribute to his late father as the country mourns aljazeera.com
