Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII begins reign
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King Harald of Norway, Europe's oldest monarch, died on Friday at Oslo University Hospital aged 89 after a 35-year reign. Thousands have gathered at the Royal Palace in Oslo, where he lies in state, as a national period of mourning was declared. His son, 53-year-old Haakon VIII, became monarch immediately and will take the oath before parliament on Tuesday.
Key Facts
- King Harald died on Friday at Oslo University Hospital, aged 89, after being hospitalised since August 17 with haemolytic anaemia.
- His son, 53-year-old Haakon VIII, became Norway's new monarch immediately upon his father's death.
- Haakon VIII is due to take the oath before parliament on Tuesday, swearing to defend Norway's constitution and laws.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a speech: "An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king."
- Marius Borg Hoiby, the new king's stepson, was sentenced in June to four years in prison on two counts of rape and 32 other charges.
National Mourning
A national period of mourning was declared in Norway following the death of King Harald. Thousands have gathered in Oslo since Friday to pay their respects and lay flowers at the Royal Palace, where the king lies in state. Flags are flying at half-mast throughout Norway, with portraits of the king in gala uniform visible at bus stops, offices, shops, and public buildings. Line Stousland, 49, told AFP: "He has meant a great deal and has been a unifying king. He has been a king of the people, like a grandfather to the whole nation."
Transition to Haakon VIII
Harald's 53-year-old son became Norway's new monarch the moment his father passed away and will be known as King Haakon VIII. He is due to take the oath in front of parliament on Tuesday, when he will swear to defend Norway's constitution and laws. Haakon takes over a monarchy hailed for its modernity and modesty, but which has been beset by a series of recent scandals. Earlier this year, two high-profile Norwegian politicians and the crown princess were linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A police investigation was opened into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland on suspicion of corruption.
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Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII begins reign
