King Haakon has offered a heartfelt tribute to his parents around the date of what would have been their wedding anniversary. The new sovereign of Norway delivered his debut address to the country, honoring his late father, King Harald V, shortly after ascending to the throne.
A Deeply Emotional Television Address
Expressing his gratitude, the king stated during his broadcasted speech that he was thankful for having such an exceptional father. Seated at a desk inside the Norwegian royal palace, he spoke with a framed photograph of the late monarch, two burning candles, and a bowl of white roses positioned directly beside him. The new ruler appeared visibly moved and choked back emotions at several points throughout the broadcast.
His predecessor, the 89-year-old King Harald, was widely regarded as a modernizing figure and a people's king during a reign that spanned 35 years. He passed away on Friday morning at a hospital following medical treatments for a rare blood condition.
Stepping Into a Major Responsibility
Reflecting on the transition, the 53-year-old monarch remarked that it was now his turn to lead. He acknowledged that a substantial task awaited him and stated his intention to remain fully present and attentive moving forward. Central to his message was a strong appeal for national unity, noting that the royal family firmly believes in a society grounded in law and justice where every individual holds equal value.
He praised Harald not only for being a wonderful father to himself and his sister, Princess Märtha Louise, but also for serving as a warm and humorous grandfather to his six grandchildren, as well as a devoted and caring husband to Queen Sonja.
Wedding Anniversary Reminiscence
Pausing momentarily as he held back tears, the new king pointed out that Saturday would have marked their 58th wedding anniversary. He recalled that Harald possessed a natural authority that kept the family tightly bound together, a trait his father may not have even fully realized he possessed. Furthermore, Haakon emphasized that the late king always stayed true to his personal values and commitments.
He shared advice that his father frequently imparted to the family, reminding them that everyone must pursue things in their own way, discover their individual style, and remain authentic to who they are.
Public Mourning and Tributes in Oslo
The sovereign also commented on the powerful and moving sight of thousands of citizens gathering outside the royal palace in the capital city of Oslo, bringing floral tributes, messages, and candles. He noted that while they were grieving deeply, it provided immense comfort and strength to see so many people sharing the sorrow alongside them.
Ever since the news broke on Friday regarding King Harald's passing, members of the public have continued laying flowers outside the palace grounds. A national period of mourning has officially been declared, though a specific date for the funeral has not yet been announced.
Political Leaders and Formal Accession
Among those paying respects was Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, who placed flowers outside the gates and signed the official condolence book after meeting with the new king. Støre noted that the entire nation remained united in both grief and gratitude.
Looking ahead to official proceedings, Haakon is scheduled to take a formal oath of allegiance before parliament on Tuesday. Afterward, he will participate in a consecration service alongside his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, which serves as a streamlined, stripped-down alternative to traditional coronations that Norway no longer practices.
Navigating Recent Family Challenges
The transition comes at a turbulent period for the royal household, which has encountered various health complications and public controversies over the past year. Queen Mette-Marit faced intense scrutiny when revelations emerged regarding her three-year friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an association for which she issued a public apology.
Additionally, she underwent a lung transplant following a battle with pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed in 2018. Physicians have indicated they will not clear her condition as fully stable until next year, requiring the king to carefully balance his new state duties with her ongoing care.
Further compounding family pressures, her son from a prior relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted in June of rape and related charges, resulting in a four-year prison sentence which he is currently appealing. Although Høiby is not an official member of the royal family, he was raised alongside them from the age of four following Haakon's marriage to his mother.
Meanwhile, the king's sister, Märtha Louise, also courted considerable controversy in 2024 by marrying an American self-styled shaman, business activities that ultimately prompted her to step away from performing official royal duties.
Looking Forward Amid Uncertainty
Without directly addressing these individual scandals, Haakon addressed the broader situation in his speech, stating that their family has learned firsthand the vital importance of standing together to remain steadfast both internally and for one another during testing times.
He added that he, along with Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, will consistently strive to understand the diverse life experiences of everyday people. Concluding his address, he noted that while no one in the country can predict what lies ahead, they know with certainty that they will stand united through both prosperous days and difficult ones.
Public Support and Expert Outlook
Despite King Harald maintaining high popularity until the end of his life, a recent opinion poll conducted for the newspaper Aftenposten earlier this year indicated that public support for the monarchy had slipped from 72% in 2024 to 54%. However, Norwegian royal commentators observed that despite the surrounding turbulence and family questions, the new king commands respect, is known for his strong work ethic, and possesses the capability to steer the monarchy forward.
