Norway's New King Haakon VIII Delivers Emotional First Address Following the Passing of King Harald

Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII, delivered his first televised speech in Oslo, Norway, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, paying heartfelt tribute to his late father, King Harald, and pledging his full dedication to the nation.

King Harald passed away on Friday at the age of 89 after reigning for 35 years. He had been suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes fatigue and shortness of breath. Speaking to the public via a live broadcast reported by Norway’s public broadcaster NRK, King Haakon stated, “We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us.”

“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,” Haakon reflected. Tens of thousands of citizens gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of condolence. Haakon expressed his gratitude, calling it “a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people.”

The government has declared a national period of mourning that will remain in effect until after the funeral. While the official funeral date has not yet been announced, the Church of Norway has scheduled nationwide memorial services for Sunday. Citizens across Norway have been visiting churches and city halls to sign condolence books and light candles.

In his address, King Haakon noted that he, along with Queen Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, stands united with the public. “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 declared. King Haakon is scheduled to take an oath upholding Norway’s constitution and laws before the legislature on Tuesday. He assumes the throne following a period marked by controversy involving Queen Mette-Marit’s relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the conviction of his stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby, who was sentenced to four years in prison in June for rape, domestic violence, and other charges.