Norway's new king remembers 'my dear father' in first speech

King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered his inaugural televised address to the nation, offering an emotional tribute to his late father, King Harald V, who died at 89 after treatment for a rare blood condition. Speaking from a desk in the royal palace beside a portrait of Harald, two lit candles and a bowl of white roses, the 53‑year‑old monarch thanked his father for being a good dad and noted that Saturday would have been Harald’s 58th wedding anniversary with Queen Sonja. Haakon declared that the “major task” of his reign now lay before him, pledging to be “present and attentive” and emphasizing a vision of a society grounded in law, justice and equal value for all citizens.

The speech underscored the nation’s collective mourning and the symbolic unity displayed outside the palace, where thousands of Norwegians laid flowers, candles and tributes. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre joined the public mourning, signing a condolence book and affirming that the country was “united in grief and gratitude.” Haakon highlighted his father’s natural authority, his steadfast adherence to values, and the encouragement Harald gave the family to find their own style. He also reflected on the comfort derived from the shared sorrow, noting that the public’s presence provided strength even as Norway entered a period of national mourning with a funeral date yet to be set.

Haakon’s accession comes amid a series of personal and public challenges for the royal family. His wife, Queen Mette‑Marit, continues to recover from a lung transplant after battling pulmonary fibrosis, and her son from a previous relationship is appealing a rape conviction. Additionally, his sister Princess Märtha Louise has faced controversy over a recent remarriage. Despite these issues, royal experts told the BBC that Haakon is respected for his hard work and ability to navigate turbulence. He will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and later partake in a modest consecration service with Mette‑Marit, marking a stripped‑down coronation tradition as Norway moves forward under his reign.

⚡ Effects Interpreter