Norway’s new king pays tribute to his late father as the country mourns - Al Jazeera
King Haakon VIII has ascended to the Norwegian throne following the death of his father, King Harald, at age 89. In his first address, the new monarch pledged to serve the Norwegian people and uphold democratic values.
Why it matters
This marks a significant transition in the Norwegian monarchy, which serves as a symbolic pillar of national unity and stability.
King Haakon VIII says King Harald represented Norway with ‘pride and joy’, promises to listen to Norwegians as monarch.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII, in Oslo, Norway, August 29, 2026 [Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and AFP Published On 29 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 The new monarch of Norway, King Haakon VIII, has praised his late father, King Harald, for how he represented Norwegians, and promised to give everything for the country as king.
King Haakon gave his first speech as king on Saturday, which was aired live on television, a day after his father’s death.
“We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us,” he said, as reported by Norway’s public broadcaster NRK.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in