Norway’s new king makes first address to nation

Norway’s new King Haakon VIII addressed the nation for the first time on August 29 following the death of his father, Harald V.

The monarch thanked his fellow citizens for the support they showed the royal family. Haakon VIII also noted that the square in front of the palace was filled with flowers, candles and messages from the public.

“It is a source of comfort and support to us that so many people are mourning together with us. It was very moving to see the palace square fill with people, flowers, messages and candles,” he said, as quoted by Verdens Gang.

King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest living monarch, died peacefully on August 28, 2026 at the age of 89 at Oslo University Hospital, where he had been admitted since August 17, for treatment of haemolytic anaemia and a subsequent bloodstream infection. He had reigned for 35 years after succeeding his father in 1991 and was immediately succeeded by his son.

By Jeyhun Aghazada