Who is Norway's new King Haakon VIII?
King Haakon VIII has ascended the Norwegian throne following the death of his father, King Harald V. The new monarch has pledged to continue his father's legacy while preparing his daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, as the next heir.
Why it matters
The transition of power in a constitutional monarchy is a significant political and cultural event for Norway and its international relations.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, King Haakon VIII has adopted his father's motto "Everything for Norway"
King Haakon VIII has inherited the Norwegian throne after the death of his father, Harald V. Many in Norway believe he has big shoes to fill.
King Harald was immensely popular with ordinary Norwegians, as shown by his consistent high polling and the outpouring of emotion in the lead-up to his death.
Haakon is the fourth king to head Norway's modern monarchy, since it was restored in 1905 after the country gained independence from Sweden.
Among his first duties as monarch, he led an extraordinary cabinet meeting where he announced his royal title and adopted his father's motto "Everything for Norway".
Many commentators believe he is well-placed to follow in his predecessors' footsteps.
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