The King is dead. Long live the King. King Haakon VIII took the oath on Tuesday before the Norwegian Parliament, a few days after ascending to the throne following the death of his father, Harald V. The ceremony, mandated by the Constitution, took place without his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, who remains hospitalized under observation following a lung transplant.
At 53 years old, Haakon VIII automatically became king on Friday, upon the death of Harald V at the age of 89. Dressed in ceremonial attire, he recited the formula established by the Constitution before the parliamentarians: “I promise and swear to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and its laws, so help me God, Almighty and Omniscient!”
This oath-taking marks an important institutional step at the beginning of his reign. In Norway, the monarch’s powers are largely defined by the Constitution, and his functions are primarily symbolic and representative.
Queen Mette-Marit was unable to attend the ceremony due to her health condition. She is recovering from a lung transplant performed on June 17 to treat an incurable lung disease. Queen Sonja, the new sovereign’s mother, and Ingrid Alexandra, Haakon’s eldest daughter and now Crown Princess, attended the ceremony. Both were dressed in black. Furthermore, 22-year-old Ingrid Alexandra was also required to take the oath, which she did in writing at the Royal Palace.
The late King’s funeral is scheduled for September 9 at Oslo Cathedral. He will then be interred in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress. His coffin will remain on display in the palace chapel until September 8 to allow Norwegians to pay their respects.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-01 18:53:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/monarchie-le-roi-haakon-viii-de-norvege-prete-serment-devant-le-parlement-quatre-jours-apres-le-deces-du-roi-harald-v/