Norway's new king remembers 'my dear father' in first speech

What the report says

Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII, used his first address to the nation to pay an emotional tribute to his late father, Harald V, who died in hospital on Friday at age 89 after treatment for a rare blood condition. Speaking from the royal palace in Oslo beside a photo of the former king, candles and white roses, Haakon thanked him for being a “good dad” and said it was now his turn to take on the duties of the throne.

The BBC reports that Haakon, 53, stressed continuity, national unity and public service in the speech, saying the royal family believes in a society based on law, justice and equal worth. He also described his father as a modernising and widely admired monarch who was a warm grandfather and caring husband to Queen Sonja. Haakon appeared close to tears when he noted that Saturday would have marked the couple’s 58th wedding anniversary.

Outside the palace, thousands of people have left flowers, candles and messages as Norway observes a period of mourning. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also paid his respects and said the country was united in grief and gratitude. Haakon is due to swear an oath in parliament on Tuesday and later take part in a consecration service with Queen Mette-Marit, a pared-down ceremony reflecting Norway’s constitutional monarchy.

The succession comes during a difficult period for the royal family, which has faced health issues and controversy in recent months. The BBC says Haakon did not address those disputes directly, but did speak of standing together through hard times and serving people from different walks of life.