Norway Mourns King Harald; Haakon VIII Stepping Into the Crown

Norwegians, politicians and royals gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to honour the late King Harald V, who died peacefully at 89 after a battle with a rare blood condition.

On the morning of Friday, crowds packed the palace grounds, laying flowers, flags and candles – one written "thanks" – in a scene that moved many to tears. A 21‑shot salute from the Akershus Fortress added a solemn military tribute to the king’s passing.

Within hours, the new monarch met ministers in an extraordinary Council of State meeting and vowed to carry forward the royal family’s motto, "All for Norway." He is scheduled to take his oath before Parliament on Tuesday and will join a pared‑down coronation ceremony next week.

Haakon VIII is 53 and has become king amid a turbulent year for the royal household, which has faced health crises and public scandals. Queen Mette‑Marit has recently undergone a lung transplant, and her son from a previous relationship is in prison.

Norwegian officials, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, praised King Harald’s legacy as an inclusive, transparent and empathetic "people's king" who modernised the monarchy. Støre said the country was "united in grief and gratitude" and postponed his own wedding to honour the solemn period.

Despite a decline in royal support in polls, specialists remain confident that Haakon will guide the monarchy forward, building on his father’s respected reputation. The nation will observe mourning until the funeral, with flags half‑mast and moments of silence at public events.