Norway’s new king pays tribute to his late father as the country mourns

What the report says

Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII, used his first speech as king to honor his late father, King Harald, after Harald’s death at age 89 on Friday. Speaking on Saturday in a televised address, Haakon said his father had represented Norway with pride and joy, and he thanked the public for the show of sympathy following the loss. The speech came as the country entered a national mourning period that will continue until after the funeral, which has not yet been scheduled.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, tens of thousands of people gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects. Flowers, candles and condolence messages filled Palace Square, and memorial books were opened in churches and city halls around the country. The Church of Norway is set to hold memorial services nationwide on Sunday.

Haakon also sought to project continuity and reassurance, saying he and Queen Mette-Marit, along with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, would listen to Norwegians and uphold democracy, the rule of law and equal value for all. He is expected to swear an oath before the legislature on Tuesday, formally affirming his duties as king.

The transition comes amid wider public scrutiny of the royal family, including past controversies involving relatives. The article notes that Harald had ruled for 35 years and that his death followed a period of illness.