King Haakon VIII of Norway took an oath before the Norwegian parliament on September 1, pledging to govern according to the country's constitution and laws following the death of his father, King Harald V [1, 2, 3]. "I promise and swear to rule the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws, so help me God the Almighty and All-knowing," King Haakon said during the ceremony [1, 2].
King Harald V died at age 89. Most sources report his death occurred on August 28, while one source lists August 30 [1, 2, 3]. Haakon became king immediately upon his father’s death, as Norway abolished coronations in 1908 [1, 2, 3].
Queen Mette-Marit, Haakon’s wife, was expected to attend the oath ceremony but was absent due to complications after lung transplant surgery [1, 2]. Haakon’s children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, along with Queen Sonja, 89, attended the ceremony [1, 2].
King Harald’s coffin lies in state at the palace chapel from September 1 to September 8, open to the public for viewing [1, 2]. The funeral will be held on September 9 in Oslo, with heads of state expected to attend [1, 2, 3].
A recent poll shows 72% of Norwegians support the monarchy after Harald’s death, an increase from 64% in May 2026 [1, 2].
The official funeral on September 9 marks the next key event in the royal succession and public mourning.
