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Norway’s King Haakon VIII takes constitutional oath following death of King Harald V

The new monarch formally pledged allegiance in parliament as public viewing begins for his late father ahead of a September funeral.

The short version

  • King Haakon VIII pledged an oath of allegiance to the Norwegian constitution in parliament on Tuesday following the death of his father, King Harald V, at age 89.
  • The late king's coffin lies in state at the royal palace chapel in Oslo, where the public can pay respects until September 8.
  • Queen Mette-Marit missed the swearing-in ceremony due to complications following a June lung transplant that required medical observation.

Key facts

  • King Haakon VIII swore an oath of allegiance to the constitution in the Storting following the death of King Harald V.[Associated Press]
  • King Harald V died at age 89 after leading the Norwegian monarchy for 35 years.[Associated Press]
  • Harald V's coffin will lie in state at the royal palace chapel until his funeral on September 9.[Associated Press]
  • Queen Mette-Marit missed the ceremony to remain under medical observation for complications related to a June lung transplant.[Associated Press]

Sources