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King Haakon honors his father, Harald: 'Thank you for being such a good dad' Image: Heiko Junge/TT
🇸🇪 Sweden /Culture & Society

King Haakon honors his father, Harald: 'Thank you for being such a good dad'

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • King Haakon of Norway delivered his first public address following the death of his father, King Harald.
  • He expressed gratitude for his father's warmth, security, and ability to make people feel comfortable.
  • Haakon also acknowledged his mother, Queen Sonja, on their 58th wedding anniversary and spoke of the significant task ahead as the new king.

Norway is in a state of national mourning after the death of King Harald. His son, King Haakon, addressed the nation for the first time on Saturday, sharing heartfelt memories of his father.

Dear father, thank you for being such a good dad to Märtha and me. Warm and secure.

— King HaakonIn his first speech to the nation after his father's death.

"Dear father, thank you for being such a good dad to Märtha and me. Warm and secure," Haakon said, his voice thick with emotion. He spoke of missing his father's presence and his remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, making everyone feel at ease in his company.

Haakon painted a vivid picture of his father at his most relaxed: "I see him in front of me with a cap, sunglasses, and a booming laugh." He also paid tribute to his mother, Queen Sonja, calling her a vital pillar of support for King Harald. "Today is 58 years since they married. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, dear mother," he added, visibly moved.

He made all people feel comfortable in his company.

— King HaakonDescribing his father's demeanor.

The new king reflected on his father's reign, which spanned a period of immense change in Norway, from the aftermath of World War II to the modern, diverse welfare society it is today. Haakon acknowledged the immense responsibility that now falls upon him and his family, emphasizing his father's guidance in encouraging each family member to forge their own path. "He succeeded his father, King Olav, who in turn succeeded his father, King Haakon. Now it is my turn," he stated, expressing deep gratitude for his family's support. He pledged to be present for the Norwegian people, alongside Queen Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, always striving to understand their life circumstances.

I see him in front of me with a cap, sunglasses, and a booming laugh.

— King HaakonRecalling a moment of his father's comfort and joy.

King Harald's coffin will lie in state at the Palace Chapel in Oslo until the funeral, the date of which has not yet been announced. This solemn occasion marks a significant transition for the Norwegian monarchy, with the nation looking to its new king for continued leadership and stability.

Today is 58 years since they married. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, dear mother.

— King HaakonAddressing his mother, Queen Sonja, on their wedding anniversary.
About this summary

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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