Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:40:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Norwegian mourners crowd the royal palace as King Harald dies and his son steps onto the throne amid tributes, national mourning and family drama.

The death of King Harald V on 28 August after a rare blood condition has ushered in a period of national mourning in Norway and the ascension of his son, Haakon VIII, to the throne. Crowds gathered at Oslo’s royal palace, laid flowers and flags, and the new king was formally introduced at an extraordinary cabinet meeting before taking his oath. International leaders and the general public alike paid tribute to Harald, who was seen as a people’s king and moderniser of the monarchy. Amid the ceremony, challenges await the new reign, including the queen’s ongoing medical recovery and past scandals involving family members. The monarchy’s popularity is now lower, but experts believe the new king will steer Norway forward.

Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne

Norwegians gathered in front of the royal palace in Oslo to pay respects after the death of King Harald V, who passed away on 28 August at the age of 89 following treatment for a rare blood condition.

The state funeral began with a 21‑shot salute from Akershus Fortress. A national mourning period is declared until the funeral, during which flags will fly at half‑mast, public events may be cancelled, and the king’s portrait will be displayed.

Haakon VIII, 53, was formally introduced by ministers in an extraordinary cabinet meeting where he pledged to embody the royal family’s motto „All for Norway“. He will be seated at the Norwegian Parliament soon and is expected to give an oath and participate in a simplified coronation service.

European leaders, including King Charles III, and Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland sent tributes praising Harald’s service. Haaland noted he had met the king in summer at the palace following the World Cup.

The new reign comes amid recent family controversies: Queen Mette‑Marit had a lung transplant after years of pulmonary fibrosis, former son‑in‑law Marius Borg Høiby faces a prison term for rape, and public support for the monarchy has slipped from 72% to 54% since 2024. Nonetheless, royal experts say Haakon is respected, hardworking, and capable of guiding the country forward."