On Friday, August 28, the new king Haakon VIII officially ascended to the throne of Norway following the death of his father, King Harald V.
This was reported by NRK, according to «European Pravda». Around 11:00, the new monarch arrived at the Royal Palace in Oslo accompanied by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Shortly thereafter, the Norwegian government entered the palace.
A special Cabinet meeting opened with a minute of silence to honor the late king. During the session, officials formally announced King Harald V‘s death.
Meeting of the Council of State and first statements
At 11:30, a Council of State session was held at the Royal Palace, chaired for the first time by Haakon since his accession. He declared that he would reign as Haakon VIII and would retain the royal motto used by his father, grandfather and great‑grandfather: «Everything for Norway».
Addressing the council, Haakon VIII confirmed his father’s passing and explained that, under the Constitution of Norway, he had succeeded to the throne. «My duty is to inform the Council of State that my dear father, His Majesty King Harald V, passed away today, August 28, 2026, at 06:35 in the morning, and that, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, I have ascended to the throne as the King of Norway», he said.
When the meeting ended, the royal flag over the palace was raised to full height in honor of the new king. Simultaneously, a lowered flag mourning the late Harald V will remain on the palace balcony until the funeral concludes.
Haakon VIII and the death of Harald V
Born in 1973 as the heir apparent, Haakon has increasingly taken on royal duties in recent years, often accompanying his father on official engagements.
On August 28, King Harald V, the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, died at the age of 89. He had been receiving treatment for hemolytic anemia, and his condition deteriorated sharply this week.
On Thursday, August 27, after the royal court announced the king’s worsening health, citizens began bringing flowers, Norwegian flags and oil lamps to the Royal Palace.
Source: EP
