King Haakon VIII delivers first address after father's death

King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered an emotional first address to the nation on Saturday, August 29, 2026, paying tribute to his father, the late King Harald V, who died the previous morning. In a televised speech from the royal palace in Oslo, the new monarch, 53, thanked his father for being "such a good dad" and acknowledged the "major task" ahead of him as he assumes the throne.

Harald V, 89, passed away in hospital on Friday, August 28, after being treated for a rare blood condition. His death marked the end of a 35-year reign during which he was widely regarded as a modernizer and a "people's king." A national period of mourning has been declared, though no date for the funeral has yet been announced. Since news of his death, thousands of Norwegians have gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers, lighting candles, and signing books of condolences. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was among those who paid their respects, stating the country was "united in grief and gratitude."

In his address, King Haakon appeared to choke back tears as he noted that Saturday would have been his parents' 58th wedding anniversary. He described his father as a "warm and funny...