Norway’s New King Haakon VIII Swears Oath in Parliament

King Haakon VIII took his first major institutional step as Norway’s monarch by swearing an oath to uphold the constitution before parliament in Oslo. The ceremony followed the death of his father, Harald V, the previous week.

Haakon traveled the short distance from the royal palace to the Storting. Speaker Masud Gharahkhani announced Harald’s death and Haakon’s succession before the 53-year-old king took the oath: “I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in according with its constitution and laws, so help me god, the almighty and omniscient.”

The ceremony took place without Queen Mette-Marit. The palace said she remained under observation after experiencing complications linked to a lung transplant she underwent in June. Pulmonologist Are Holm of Oslo University Hospital said such complications are not uncommon and that she had experienced them several times, including Tuesday.

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I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in according with its constitution and laws, so help me god, the almighty and omniscient.

Harald’s coffin had been taken to the royal palace chapel a day earlier, where it will remain available for public mourning until his funeral on September 9.

Norway’s monarchy dates its roots to the ninth century, while its modern constitutional role is largely symbolic. Most political power rests with the elected government and parliament. The royal family retains a public role in diplomacy and in promoting Norway internationally.

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As a result, the Queen must remain under observation throughout the day. Unfortunately, the Queen will therefore be unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony at the Storting today.