Norway’s King Haakon pledges an oath of allegiance to the constitution as his father lies in state

In Oslo, Norway, on September 1, 2026, King Haakon VIII made a solemn oath of allegiance to the nation's constitution in parliament, marking a significant moment in his ascension to the throne following his father's death. King Haakon became the monarch of Norway upon the passing of his father, King Harald V, on Friday at the age of 89.

He has embraced the motto "All for Norway," a phrase that echoes his great-grandfather's commitment. Haakon was transported in an open car from the royal palace to the Storting, or parliament, where he publicly took his oath of allegiance. Speaker Masud Gharahkhani announced King Harald V's death and Haakon's succession. 53-year-old King Haakon then recited the oath, pledging to govern in accordance with the constitution and laws of the Kingdom of Norway.

The Norwegian monarchy has deep historical roots, originating from King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. The monarchy regained prominence in 1905 following a national plebiscite that approved Norway's independence from Sweden. As of now, the royal family's role revolves primarily around promoting the country internationally, although they retain a symbolic position.

King Harald V's remains were interred in the chapel of the royal palace in downtown Oslo on Monday and will remain there until his funeral on September 9. From the afternoon of Tuesday until September 8, the chapel has been open daily for the public to pay their respects by walking past the coffin. Visitors are strictly prohibited from taking photos, filming, or leaving any items inside the chapel, including flowers.