Norway's new King Haakon VIII delivers first speech honoring his late father

Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII, delivered his first address to the nation, paying tribute to his late father, King Harald V, who passed away at 89. The speech, broadcast on Norwegian public television, acknowledged the nation's grief while drawing strength from shared sorrow.

"We are in mourning, but at the same time, we are comforted and strengthened by knowing that so many people share our pain," Haakon stated. The country has entered a new historical chapter with Haakon VIII ascending the throne after his father's 35-year reign. Harald V, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, was remembered for his unifying presence.

National mourning has been declared, with floral tributes piling up outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, where over 20,000 people have paid their respects since Friday. "Everyone is sad. The King was a man everyone respected," said resident Anne Lobbe. Haakon, 53, inherits the crown amidst a period marked by scandals that have reportedly weakened the monarchy, some involving Queen Mette-Marit.

Haakon VIII, who will primarily fulfill ceremonial duties, appeared with his 22-year-old daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the new heir presumptive. He officially informed the government of his father's passing. He declared, "I will take the name Haakon VIII and perpetuate the motto that my father, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather chose: 'Everything for Norway.'" He is scheduled to meet with church leaders and heads of parliament and the Supreme Court, with a broader address to citizens planned for the coming days. The new king will take his oath to the constitution on September 1, marking the formal end of the national mourning period, though royal funeral dates are yet to be announced.