King Haakon VIII of Norway has delivered his first televised address to the nation since ascending to the throne, offering a deeply personal tribute to his late father, King Harald V. Seated at his desk in the royal palace in Oslo, with a photograph of the late monarch, two lit candles, and a bowl of white roses nearby, the new king spoke of his father’s legacy and the challenges that lie ahead for the royal family.
King Harald, who was 89, passed away on Friday morning in a hospital after being treated for a rare blood condition. Reflecting on his father’s 35-year reign, Haakon described him as a moderniser and a "people’s king" who brought the family together through a natural authority he may not have fully recognised himself. The new king, 53, appeared visibly moved as he noted that the day of his speech would have marked his parents' 58th wedding anniversary. "Thank you for being such a good dad," he said, thanking his father for his role as a "warm and funny grandfather" to his six grandchildren and a "loving and caring husband" to Queen Sonja.
During the address, Haakon emphasized the importance of national unity, stating that the royal family holds a firm belief in a society built on law, justice, and the equal value of every individual. He recalled how his father consistently encouraged his family members to be themselves and find their own unique paths. Addressing the public's response, the new king remarked on the "powerful and moving experience" of seeing thousands of Norwegians gathered outside the palace with flowers and tributes. "We are in mourning, yet at the same time it brings comfort and strength that so many are grieving together with us," he said.
Norway has entered a period of national mourning, with funeral arrangements yet to be announced. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has already visited the palace to sign a book of condolences and lay flowers, noting that the nation is "united in grief and gratitude." King Haakon is scheduled to swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday, followed by a consecration service alongside his wife, Queen Mette-Marit.
The transition of power comes during a challenging year for the Norwegian royal family, which has faced health issues and public scrutiny. Queen Mette-Marit has been undergoing treatment for pulmonary fibrosis since 2018 and recently received a lung transplant, with doctors not expecting her to be stable until next year. Additionally, the family has dealt with controversy surrounding Mette-Marit’s past friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the recent conviction of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, on rape and other charges. Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, has also stepped back from royal duties following controversies regarding her business activities and marriage to an American self-styled shaman.
While Haakon did not directly address these specific scandals, he acknowledged the difficulties the family has faced, stating that they have "experienced the importance of standing together in order to remain steadfast both within ourselves and for one another even during difficult times." He pledged that he, alongside the Queen and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, would strive to understand the diverse life situations of all people. "No one who lives in this country knows what we will face together, but what we do know is that we will stand by one another through both good days and difficult ones," he said. Royal experts have noted that despite the recent turbulence, the new king remains a respected and diligent figure capable of leading the nation forward.
