Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon ascends throne, succeeding his father

Norway has a new king after Crown Prince Haakon automatically succeeded his father, King Harald, at the moment of the monarch’s death.

Norway always has a reigning monarch, meaning the heir to the throne automatically succeeds when the king dies, Caliber.Az reports, citing Norwegian media.

Haakon, who was born as heir to the throne in 1973, had taken on increasing responsibilities for the royal household in recent years and frequently worked alongside his father.

King Harald had described his son as a friend and colleague whom he consulted and said he was confident Haakon would carry the royal legacy forward.

The new king has summoned an extraordinary Council of State at the Royal Palace, where he will formally inform the government of his father’s death and his accession to the throne, as well as announce his regnal name and motto.

After the meeting, the royal flag on the palace roof will be raised to the top for the new king, while a royal flag with mourning drapery will be flown at half-mast from the palace balcony until after King Harald’s funeral.

Official buildings across Norway will also fly flags at half-mast until the funeral.

Although Haakon became king automatically, he is required under Article 9 of Norway’s Constitution to swear an oath to the Constitution in the Storting. The oath is expected to take place a few days after King Harald’s death.

Haakon had previously signed the same oath when he turned 18 in 1991, allowing him to serve as regent in the monarch’s absence.

Norway has also gained a new heir to the throne, with Haakon’s daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid, becoming the country’s new crown princess.

She will likewise be required to sign an oath so that she can serve as regent in her father’s absence in the future.

By Aghakazim Guliyev