Haakon VIII, Norway’s new king, has a big crown to fill

Live updates

1. 8d ago

   Norway Crowns King Haakon VIII Following King Harald V's Death

   Norway has transitioned to a new monarch following the death of King Harald V. Crown Prince Haakon has assumed the throne as King Haakon VIII, taking his official oath before parliament with his daughter by his side. The royal family is preparing for the state funeral of the late king, code-named Operation K. Mourners and international delegations, including foreign royals, are gathering in Oslo to pay their respects. Queen Sonja wept outside the Royal Palace while mourning her husband of 58 years, alongside grieving members of the royal family.

   Why it matters

   The death of King Harald V marks the end of a 58-year reign, initiating a succession that brings 22-year-old Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra into focus as the new heir and the first queen-to-be in 600 years. King Haakon VIII and Princess Ingrid Alexandra have emerged together as the new royal team during this period of national mourning. International figures such as Spanish and Japanese royals are scheduled to attend the state funeral.

   What is confirmed

   • Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII after the death of his father, King Harald V.
   • King Haakon VIII took his oath of allegiance in parliament with his daughter at his side.
   • Queen Mette-Marit joined the procession to bring King Harald V's coffin to the royal chapel.
   • Queen Sonja wept outside the Royal Palace while mourning King Harald, her husband of 58 years.
   • Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the new heir and first queen-to-be in 600 years at age 22.
   • King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Queen Sofía of Spain are heading to Oslo for the funeral.
   • Japan's crown prince and crown princess will attend the funeral.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Norwegian queen's disgraced son was freed from house arrest after a rape conviction to attend King Harald V's funeral.

   What to watch next

   • The execution of King Harald V's state funeral, known as Operation K.
   • Official international delegations arriving in Oslo for the services.
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. AP News — Norway's Queen Mette-Marit joins procession to bring late King Harald V's coffin to royal chapel
   2. People.com — Queen Sonja of Norway Weeps as She Mourns Husband of 58 Years King Harald Outside Royal Palace
   3. Reuters — Norway's new king to swear oath before parliament after Harald's death
   4. The Independent — Norwegian queen’s disgraced son freed from house arrest after rape conviction to attend King Harald V’s funeral
   5. dw.com — Norway's new King Haakon VIII takes oath in parliament
   6. People.com — Meet Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, Norway’s New Heir and First Queen-to-Be in 600 Years
   7. The Guardian — Norway’s new king swears oath of allegiance with daughter at his side
   8. economist.com — Haakon VIII, Norway’s new king, has a big crown to fill
   9. Los Angeles Times — Norway’s crown prince becomes King Haakon VIII after his father’s death
   10. Town & Country Magazine — Norwegian Royals Share Heartbreaking Photo of Princess Astrid Mourning Her Late Brother, King Harald
   11. yahoo.com — King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía head to Oslo for King Harald V's funeral
   12. Geo News — Palace to make big announcement about William as King Charles steps back
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