King Haakon VIII Vows Service in First Speech After Harald Dies at 89
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 29
King Haakon VIII Vows Service in First Speech After Harald Dies at 89
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 29
Summary
A day after King Harald’s death, Haakon VIII used his first televised address to praise his father’s 35-year reign and promise to give everything for Norway as king.
Tens of thousands gathered outside Oslo’s royal palace, while churches and city halls across Norway opened condolence books and candlelight tributes during a government-declared mourning period.
Harald, 89, died Friday after suffering from haemolytic anaemia, and the Church of Norway is due to hold nationwide memorial services on Sunday before a funeral date is announced.
Tuesday will bring Haakon’s oath before parliament to defend the constitution and laws, as he takes the throne amid scrutiny tied to Queen Mette-Marit’s past Epstein links and his stepson’s rape conviction.