King Haakon VIII Takes Oath to Norway’s Constitution

King Haakon VIII has formally begun his reign with a constitutional oath in Norway’s Parliament, even though he became monarch automatically when his father, Harald V, died on Friday.

Standing in Parliament in Oslo, Haakon pledged to govern Norway according to its constitution and laws. He also repeated the royal motto “Everything for Norway,” which he inherited from his father. Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra stood beside him during the ceremony and was due to submit a written oath later that day.

The royal household said the king would inform the cabinet at its first meeting that the oath had been signed and sent to Parliament. Harald’s widow and former queen, Sonja, attended, as did Haakon’s children, Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Haakon’s wife, the new Queen Mette-Marit, could not attend because of complications after her lung transplant.

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I pledge and swear to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and laws, so help me Almighty and All-knowing God!

Parliament observed a minute of silence for Harald, who had reigned since 1991 and died at 89 after suffering health problems. His funeral is scheduled for September 9.

Haakon traveled from the palace to Parliament in an open limousine as people gathered along the route. He then walked across a red carpet into the building. The oath marks an important step in the transfer of power and emphasizes that the king’s powers and privileges are limited and regulated by the constitution. Norway abolished coronations in 1908, and the monarch’s duties are largely symbolic and representative.

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Everything for Norway