Tens of thousands of Norwegians gathered in Oslo on Saturday to mourn King Harald V, who died Friday morning at the age of 89. Mourners placed flowers and condolence cards outside the royal palace, creating a vast display of tributes.
Churches and city halls across the country opened on Saturday for citizens to light candles and sign condolence books. The late King's coffin arrived at the royal palace on Friday evening from the National Hospital, where he passed away.
Upon King Harald V's death, his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, immediately became King Haakon VIII. He has adopted the royal motto "All for Norway," a phrase previously used by his great-grandfather. His wife, Mette-Marit, is now Queen, and their eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, has become the Crown Princess and heir to the throne.
Crown Prince Haakon, now King Haakon VIII, has prior experience with royal duties, having served as regent on several occasions when his father's health declined. The new king is scheduled to hold audiences with key figures including the speaker of parliament, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and the presiding bishop of the Lutheran Church of Norway, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra also expected to attend. He is also expected to deliver his first address to the nation soon.
King Haakon VIII's immediate tasks include addressing public sentiment following past controversies involving his wife's associations and his stepson's conviction. The date for King Harald V's funeral has not yet been set, but the nation is in an official period of mourning, leading some to postpone personal celebrations like weddings and baptisms.
Norway's monarchy has historical roots dating back to the ninth century. The monarchy was restored in 1905 following the nation's independence from Sweden, and while its role is largely symbolic today, with power residing in an elected parliament, the royal family remains a prominent figurehead and global ambassador for the country.