King Haakon VIII of Norway praised his late father, King Harald, during his first speech as monarch, following Harald's death at age 89. King Harald had served as Norway's monarch for 35 years and had suffered from haemolytic anaemia prior to his passing. In his televised address, King Haakon expressed that the nation is in mourning but finds comfort in the collective grief shared with the public. He stated, "We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us," according to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK.
King Haakon reflected on his father's legacy, saying, "As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy, through visits around the country, at events here at the royal palace, and while working on Norway’s behalf around the world." Tens of thousands of individuals gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects, prompting King Haakon to thank the public for their support, describing it as “a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people, flowers, messages of condolence, and candles.”
The Norwegian government has declared a national mourning period that will continue until after the funeral, with memorial services planned by the Church of Norway across the country on Sunday. Citizens have been encouraged to write in condolence books and light candles in churches and city halls.
In his speech, King Haakon emphasized the importance of democracy and equality, stating, "We believe in our popular government – and in democracy. We believe in a society built on law and justice – and where everyone is of equal value." He is scheduled to take an oath to uphold Norway’s constitution and laws before the legislature on Tuesday. King Haakon's ascension to the throne comes amid controversy regarding his wife's past association with Jeffrey Epstein and his stepson's recent legal issues, including a conviction for rape and domestic violence.