World News
King Haakon VIII pays tribute to late father in first address as Norwegian monarch
Following the death of King Harald V at age 89, Norway's new king addressed the nation as a period of national mourning begins.
The short version
- King Haakon VIII delivered his first televised address to Norway following the death of his father, King Harald V, who died on Friday at age 89.
- A national period of mourning has been declared, with members of the public and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre leaving flowers and condolences outside the royal palace.
- Haakon is scheduled to swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday, followed by a consecration service with Queen Mette-Marit.
Key facts
- King Harald V of Norway died in the hospital on Friday morning at age 89 following treatment for a rare blood condition.[BBC News]
- In his first televised address as monarch, 53-year-old King Haakon VIII paid tribute to his father and emphasized national unity.[BBC News]
- Haakon will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and attend a consecration service with Queen Mette-Marit.[BBC News]
- Queen Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant after a 2018 diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, with doctors expecting her condition to stabilize next year.[BBC News]
- Queen Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape in June and received a four-year prison sentence, which he is appealing.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The date for King Harald V's funeral has not yet been announced.[BBC News]
Sources
- Norway's new king remembers 'my dear father' in first speechBBC News - World