King Haakon VIII Takes Constitutional Oath, Succeeding His Father King Harald V

King Harald V died at the National Hospital in Oslo on Friday at 6:35 a.m. local time. Harald V, who was Europe's oldest reigning monarch, had reigned for 35 years. Since the early 2000s, he had experienced chronic health issues. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2003, and in 2005 he underwent heart surgery. In 2020, he underwent heart surgery again to replace the artificial heart valve he had received at his previous operation. His son now automatically became King Haakon VIII. That morning, he met the Council of State for his first King-in-Council as reigning monarch, officially notifying the council of his father's passing and announcing his regnal name and royal motto. His chosen motto, 'All for Norway', had been used by every Norwegian monarch since his great-grandfather, Haakon VII. On August 29, Haakon held his first address to the nation as king at the Royal Palace in Oslo. On Tuesday, September 1st at 1pm, King Haakon VIII took his oath to the Constitution before the Storting (the Norwegian parliament). In accordance with Section 9 of the Norwegian Constitution, every new monarch must take a legally binding oath promising to govern in accordance with the laws of Norway. The oath is a highly solemn act, and one which is of fundamental importance for Norway. King Haakon promised and swore to govern Norway in accordance with the Constitution and law of the land. The Oath of Allegiance underscores the fact that Norway is a constitutional monarchy, where the power and authority of the monarch is limited and regulated by the provisions in the Constitution. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Queen Sonja, two children, and five grandchildren. His granddaughter Ingrid Alexandra now becomes heir to the Norwegian throne. Norway's royal palace says the funeral of the late King Harald V will take place on Sept. 9.