Norway has entered a new chapter following the death of King Harald, with his 53-year-old son, Haakon VIII, taking over as monarch.
Harald died on Friday at the age of 89 after 35 years on the throne, prompting a period of national mourning across the Scandinavian nation.
Thousands of people gathered around the Royal Palace in Oslo to honour the late king. Mourners placed flowers, cards and Norwegian flags at the palace while others embraced as they shared their grief.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described Harald’s death as the end of an era and the beginning of a new one under Haakon.
He praised the late monarch for his warmth, humour and dedication to the Norwegian people, saying Harald had guided the country through major social and economic changes during his reign.
Haakon arrived at the Royal Palace with his 22-year-old daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, who now becomes Crown Princess. He formally informed the government of his father’s death and later expressed appreciation for the support shown to the royal family.
Norway’s parliament is scheduled to receive the new king’s oath of allegiance on Tuesday.
Haakon is not expected to undergo a coronation because Norway abolished the practice in 1908. However, he may hold a ceremonial blessing at Trondheim Cathedral, following a tradition observed by previous Norwegian monarchs.
Harald became king in 1991 and was widely regarded as a unifying figure. His public role after the 2011 attacks, in which 77 people were killed, was particularly remembered for helping bring the country together.
Many Norwegians described Harald as a monarch who made people feel secure and represented the values of an open and tolerant society.
His final years were marked by worsening health. He had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Oslo since August 17 before his death.
The royal family has also faced a difficult period. Queen Sonja recently experienced health problems, while Haakon’s wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has come under scrutiny over reported links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison in June after being convicted of two rape offences.
Mette-Marit, who suffers from a serious lung condition, underwent a lung transplant in July.
Haakon now begins his reign at a challenging time for the Norwegian royal family, as the country mourns a king remembered for his long service and ability to unite its people.
