King Haakon VIII to Swear Oath in Parliament Following King Harald’s Passing
POLICY WIRE — Oslo, Norway — King Haakon VIII of Norway is set to take an oath before the parliament on Tuesday, following the recent death of his father, King Harald V. The ceremony will see Haakon...
POLICY WIRE — Oslo, Norway — King Haakon VIII of Norway is set to take an oath before the parliament on Tuesday, following the recent death of his father, King Harald V. The ceremony will see Haakon pledge to uphold Norway’s constitution and laws.
King Harald passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Since then, tens of thousands of Norwegians have visited the royal palace to pay their respects by laying flowers, drawings, candles, and flags.
Many have commended Harald for his warmth and sense of inclusiveness. Haakon, in his first address to the nation as sovereign, described his father as a wonderful parent.
The monarchy continues to enjoy widespread support in Norway, with 72% of Norwegians favoring it, according to a recent Norstat poll for broadcaster NRK. This represents an increase from the 64% support recorded in a May poll.
The oath-taking ceremony, scheduled to begin at 1100 GMT in the 169-seat chamber, will reinforce Norway’s status as a constitutional monarchy. King Haakon will declare, I promise and swear to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws, so help me God the Almighty and All-knowing.
Queen Mette-Marit, who is recovering from a lung transplant, was expected to be present but has canceled her attendance due to complications from the surgery. Her doctor, Are Holm, a pulmonologist with Oslo University Hospital, stated that complications are not uncommon after such procedures.
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The new king’s children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, along with their grandmother, Queen Sonja, will be in attendance. Haakon became king immediately upon his father’s death, and there will be no coronation, as Norway abolished the practice in 1908.
Following the ceremony, the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects at King Harald’s coffin, which will lie in state at the palace chapel until September 8. His funeral is scheduled for September 9 in Oslo, with invitations extended to heads of state from around the world.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
