Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII, made his first address to the nation on Saturday, honoring his late father, King Harald, and expressing his commitment to upholding the country's constitutional monarchy.
"My dear father, thank you for being such a good dad for Martha and I," Haakon said, his voice briefly filled with emotion as he referred to his sister, Princess Martha Louise. He spoke of missing his father's laughter and his "good-natured way to meet people and situations." The new king noted that Saturday would have been King Harald and Queen Sonja's 58th wedding anniversary. "Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, dear Mummy," Haakon said, visibly moved.
King Harald died Friday at the age of 89, after more than three decades on the throne. His son, Haakon, automatically ascended to the throne upon his father's death, as is customary in Norway's constitutional monarchy. There will be no coronation, a practice abolished by parliament in 1908.
Haakon emphasized his intention to rule in his own manner, following his father's example. He reiterated the foundational principles of Norway as a constitutional monarchy, pledging to protect the nation's constitution and laws. "We believe in our system of self-governance — and in democracy. We believe in a society built on the rule of law — where every individual has equal worth," he stated. "We believe in a Norway where there is room for everyone. We shall feel the strength of our community – and know deep within ourselves that we are one people."
Following the televised speech, mourners gathered outside the royal palace, who had been watching on mobile phones, broke into spontaneous applause. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere commented that Haakon shares many qualities with his father, particularly "the ability to create an atmosphere of togetherness."
Since King Harald's passing, thousands have visited the royal palace to pay their respects. Many have recalled the late king's spirit of inclusiveness and tolerance. Flags across the country have been flown at half-mast, and portraits of King Harald have been displayed in public spaces.
On Oslo's main avenue, Karl Johan, crowds of people carrying flowers and cards walked toward the palace. Mourners shared memories of the late king's inclusive approach. "He meant a lot to us immigrants … We felt really very included. So, thanks to him, I feel so Norwegian," said Veselina Vitanova, a 43-year-old teacher from Bulgaria. Others referenced a 2016 speech by King Harald that gained international attention, in which he declared, "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys and girls and boys who love each other." This sentiment, many said, embodied his view of his people and his hope for their mutual regard.