King Haakon VIII’s first speech as Norway’s monarch was above all a tribute to his father, King Harald V. Speaking to Norwegians on Saturday evening, one day after Harald’s death, the new king became visibly emotional as he recalled him both as a monarch and as a parent.
“Thank you for being such a good father to Märtha and me,” Haakon said, referring to himself and his older sister, Princess Märtha Louise, according to NRK.
King Haakon’s first speech after Harald’s death
Haakon described his father as someone who had supported and cared for the entire family.
“You supported and took care of all of us,” he said. “It makes me proud to think of everything you endured, and everything you stood up for.”
The speech came a day after King Harald V died at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 06:35 on Friday, 28 August, aged 89. His death ended a reign that had lasted since January 1991.
Under Norway’s constitutional system, Haakon immediately succeeded his father. During an extraordinary Council of State at the Royal Palace later on Friday, he formally announced that he would reign as Haakon VIII.
The new king also confirmed that he would retain “Alt for Norge”, meaning “All for Norway”, the royal motto used by Harald V, Olav V and Haakon VII since the restoration of an independent Norwegian monarchy in 1905.
Støre says Norway can be proud of its new king
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised the new monarch after the speech, saying Haakon’s first appearance as king showed that he would approach the role “with wisdom” and contribute to both community and unity. In a statement to NRK, Støre stressed the distinction between the country’s loss and that of the royal family.
“Norway has lost its king, while King Haakon and the rest of the Royal Family have lost their father, husband and grandfather,” he said.
Støre added that Haakon’s words about Harald had given personal meaning to the royal motto “Alt for Norge”, or “All for Norway”. “It touched me deeply. Norway can be proud of its new king,” the prime minister concluded.
A message to Queen Sonja
One of the most personal moments in King Haakon VIII’s first speech concerned his mother, Queen Sonja.
Saturday would have marked the 58th wedding anniversary of Harald and Sonja, who married on 29 August 1968 after a relationship that had initially faced resistance because Sonja Haraldsen was a commoner.
“Happy wedding anniversary, dear Mum,” Haakon said, visibly moved.
The speech also acknowledged the public response to Harald’s death. Thousands of people have gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo since Friday, leaving flowers, candles and messages.The speech also acknowledged the public response to Harald’s death. Thousands of people have gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo since Friday, leaving flowers, candles and messages.
The beginning of Haakon VIII’s reign
The address marked the first direct public appearance of Haakon’s reign after the formal transition of the crown.
The Royal Court confirmed on Friday that Haakon had succeeded his father and that Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, his eldest child, had become the new heir to the throne. Queen Mette-Marit became Norway’s queen.
Haakon’s first days as monarch are taking place during the period of national mourning for Harald. He is also expected to take the constitutional oath before the Storting, Norway’s parliament, on Tuesday, 1 September.
His first speech, however, largely avoided the institutional responsibilities that now accompany his new position. Instead, it centred on the man whose role he has inherited, and whom he addressed first as his father.
