Norway's new king remembers 'my dear father' in first speech

Norway's new ruler, King Haakon VIII, paid tribute to his late father, Harald V, during his inaugural address to the nation. In the emotional speech, he thanked Harald for being a good father, as the 89-year-old monarch passed away after battling a rare blood condition. At 53, Haakon now faces the "major task" of leading the country, emphasizing his commitment to being "present and attentive" as the nation mourns.

King Haakon stressed the importance of national unity, stating that Norway believes in a society built on law and justice, valuing each individual's worth. He recalled Harald's role as a devoted father to Haakon and his sister, Princess Märtha Louise, and a loving grandfather to their six grandchildren, as well as a devoted husband to Queen Sonja.

During the ceremony, Haakon choked back tears as he remembered that Saturday would have marked their 58th wedding anniversary. He highlighted Harald's ability to bring the family together, stating that he always advocated for individuals to find their own style and be true to themselves.

Tributes poured in for Harald, with thousands gathering outside the royal palace in Oslo to lay flowers and pay their respects. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also joined in the mourning, laying flowers and signing a book of condolences. A national period of mourning has been declared, but the exact date of the funeral has yet to be announced.

Haakon will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and participate in a stripped-down version of a coronation service, which Norway no longer conducts. The royal family has faced health challenges and scandals this year, with Queen Mette-Marit facing scrutiny over her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and later receiving a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis. Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently convicted of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.

Despite the controversies, Haakon acknowledged the importance of standing together in difficult times. He vowed to support Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra as they navigate their own challenges, promising to remain steadfast and understanding towards all members of the family. While support for the monarchy has slightly decreased, Norwegian royal experts believe Haakon is well-suited to lead the nation through these challenging circumstances.