King Haakon VIII takes the throne in Norway following death of Harald V
King Haakon VIII swore an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This symbolic transition follows the death of his father, King Harald V, whose reign lasted 35 years. The ceremony took place four days after the late monarch passed away. Crown Princess Ingrid accompanied the new sovereign during the formal parliamentary proceeding. Meanwhile, Queen Mette-Marit continues recovering from a lung transplant as the Scandinavian nation adjusts to its new leadership.
What changed
King Haakon VIII formally completed his oath of allegiance to the constitution in parliament on Tuesday.
Live updates
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King Haakon VIII Takes Oath to Norway's Constitution
King Haakon VIII swore an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This symbolic transition follows the death of his father, King Harald V, whose reign lasted 35 years. The ceremony took place four days after the late monarch passed away. Crown Princess Ingrid accompanied the new sovereign during the formal parliamentary proceeding. Meanwhile, Queen Mette-Marit continues recovering from a lung transplant as the Scandinavian nation adjusts to its new leadership.
Why it matters
The accession of King Haakon VIII marks a major transition for the Norwegian monarchy following the death of King Harald V. The parliamentary oath is a vital constitutional requirement for the new monarch to officially assume his duties at the helm of the country. Princess Ingrid, the 22-year-old heir, participated in the proceedings alongside the king during this period of royal mourning.
What is confirmed
- King Haakon VIII pledged an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
- The transition follows the 35-year reign of his late father, King Harald V, who died four days prior to the oath.
- Crown Princess Ingrid joined King Haakon VIII for the formal oath-taking ceremony.
Still unconfirmed
- Queen Mette-Marit is recovering from a lung transplant.
What to watch next
- Updates regarding Queen Mette-Marit's recovery from her lung transplant.
- Further public or state ceremonies involving Crown Princess Ingrid as the new heir.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- nypost.com — Norway’s King Haakon pledges oath of allegiance following father’s death
- apnews.com — Norway’s King Haakon pledges an oath of allegiance to the constitution as his father lies in state
- colombiaone.com — Norway’s New King Haakon VIII Takes Oath as Queen Mette-Marit Recovers From Lung Transplant
- www.dailymail.com — Norway's new 'down-to-earth' heir: Princess Ingrid - dubbed the 'saving grace' of a monarchy in crisis - mirrors her grandmother's sombre appearance three decades a…
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King Haakon VIII addresses nation as Norway mourns King Harald V
King Haakon VIII has delivered his first address as sovereign, honoring his late father, King Harald V. Tens of thousands of citizens gathered at the royal palace in Oslo on Saturday to leave flowers and condolence cards. Memorial services continued through Sunday, including a funeral service at Oslo Cathedral led by Dean Pål Kristian Balstad. The new monarch is scheduled to take his oath of allegiance to the constitution.
Why it matters
King Harald V died at age 89 on Friday, August 28, ending a 35-year reign. The transition elevates Princess Ingrid Alexandra to heir apparent. These events mark the first change in the Norwegian monarchy in over three decades.
What is confirmed
- King Harald V died at age 89.
- Tens of thousands of people placed flowers and cards outside the royal palace in Oslo on Saturday.
- Memorial services for King Harald V were held at churches including Oslo Cathedral.
- King Haakon VIII gave his first address to the nation as sovereign.
What to watch next
- The formal swearing of the oath of allegiance to the constitution by King Haakon VIII.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.nbcnews.com — Tens of thousands mourn King Harald V in Oslo as Norway enters a new royal era
- www.examiner.com.au — Norway mourns King Harald as son Haakon inherits throne
- apnews.com — Norwegians line up at churches for emotional memorials remembering the late King Harald V
- abcnews.com — Norwegians in emotional memorials remembering the late King Harald V
- nypost.com — Norway’s King Haakon honors ‘dear father’ Harald in first speech as sovereign
- www.yahoo.com — A Complete Guide to the Norwegian Royal Family Tree
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Crown Prince Haakon becomes King Haakon VIII after death of King Harald V
King Haakon VIII has ascended the Norwegian throne following the death of his father, King Harald V, on Friday, August 28. King Harald V died at age 89 in an Oslo hospital after 35 years as monarch. The transition makes Princess Ingrid Alexandra the new heir apparent. Public mourning has begun in Oslo, where citizens gathered at Palace Square to lay flowers. King Charles expressed "profound sadness" over the loss of his "dear cousin," and palace flags are flying at half-staff.
Why it matters
King Harald V was Europe's oldest monarch and is credited with modernizing the royal house. His early life included exile in the United States during the Nazi occupation of Norway.
What is confirmed
- King Harald V died on Friday, August 28, at age 89.
- Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII.
- King Harald V served on the throne for 35 years.
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne.
- King Harald V was the oldest monarch in Europe.
Still unconfirmed
- King Harald V passed away peacefully.
- King Harald V went into exile in the United States as a child during the Nazi occupation.
What to watch next
- Official coronation dates and ceremony details
- Formal state funeral arrangements for King Harald V
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- BBC — Norway's royal family gathers at King Harald's bedside as his condition worsens
- CNN — King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest monarch, dies after 35 years on the throne
- The New York Times — Who Is Haakon, Norway’s New King?
- AP News — Norway’s King Harald V dies at 89 and his son becomes King Haakon VIII
- BBC — King Haakon VIII takes the throne in Norway following death of Harald V
- Time Magazine — King Harald V of Norway Has Died After 35 Years On the Throne. Meet His Successor, Haakon
- Marie Claire — Palace Flags Are Flying at Half-Staff as King Charles Shares “Profound Sadness” Over the Loss of “Dear Cousin”
- www.yahoo.com — Norway mourns King Harald V as son Haakon inherits throne
- www.orlandosentinel.com — Norway’s King Harald V dies at 89 and his son becomes King Haakon VIII
- www.latimes.com — Norway’s crown prince becomes King Haakon VIII after his father’s death
- jang.com.pk — Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway embraces new role after King Harald's death
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Norway's King Harald V dies and his son becomes King Haakon VIII