Norway has opened a new chapter in its history, as King Haakon VIII delivered a moving address in memory of his father, King Harald, a unifying figure who spent 35 years on the throne.
“We are grieving, but at the same time, seeing so many people share our pain gives us comfort and strength,” the 53-year-old king said in an address broadcast by the national television network.
King Harald had constantly reminded his family that everyone should do things in their own way, his son said.
“To find your own path. To be yourself... Now it is my turn,” he added.
“Thank you for being such a good father to me and Märtha,” Haakon said, referring to his sister, Princess Märtha Louise.
“You were also a warm and funny grandfather. A loving and caring husband. A generous father-in-law. You supported us and looked after us all.”
‘I will miss him’
The new king said he would deeply miss his father, particularly his laughter and the warmth with which he approached people and situations.
“I will miss him,” the 53-year-old monarch said. “I will miss his laughter, his warm and heartfelt way of approaching people and situations.”
Earlier in the day, King Haakon VIII had received the speaker of parliament, the president of the Supreme Court and representatives of the Church of Norway.
National mourning was declared across the Scandinavian kingdom following the death on Friday of King Harald at the age of 89. He had been Europe's longest-serving monarch.
Thousands pay tribute
Many Norwegians visited the chapel at the Royal Palace in Oslo on Saturday to pay their respects, with mountains of flowers laid outside as more than 20,000 people came to honour the late king.
“Everyone is sad, and the king was someone everyone respected. A good man, so I think everyone feels a little sad today,” said Anne Løbbe, 35.
Kari Lingestad, a 45-year-old nurse, described the new king’s address as deeply moving.
“I am happy and sad at the same time, and I believe everything will be all right. We have a good new king,” she said outside the palace after the speech was broadcast.
A 56-year-old teacher, Eivind Storehayer, described the address as “fantastic”.
“I think he will be very much like his father. He will be a king who is close to the people,” he said.
Royal family prepares to honour Harald
Churches across Norway will hold memorial services on Sunday, with the royal family due to attend a service in Asker, south of Oslo.
Like his father, the new king will have primarily ceremonial duties. He has chosen the name Haakon VIII and intends to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, continuing the royal motto: “All for Norway.”
