Norway mourns King Harald V and welcomes King Haakon VIII

King Harald V of Norway, beloved for decades, passed away at 89 after a brief illness. The royal palace in Oslo filled with flowers, flags and tearful crowds as the nation said its goodbyes.

A 21‑shot salute was fired from Akershus Fortress, echoing a tradition of ceremonial tribute. Hours later, the new king met government ministers in the Royal Palace for an extraordinary council of state.

In the meeting, King Haakon declared he would adopt the royal family’s motto “All for Norway.” He immediately began preparations for his oath before Parliament and a scaled‑down coronation service, a modern adaptation of the country’s long‑losed tradition.

The funeral is still to be announced, but the government has declared a national mourning period lasting until the memorial service. Flags across the country will fly at half‑mast, candles will be lit and moments of silence observed at official events.

The ceremony has drawn responses from multiple quarters: the Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre paid tribute on the palace grounds, while the royal family dealt with prior health and controversy challenges this year. Queen Mette‑Marit’s health battle and her earlier friendship with a convicted sex offender have created a complex backdrop for the youthful monarch.

Notable citizens—athlete Erling Haaland, immigrant community members, and ordinary citizens—all expressed affection for the late king, quoting the “people’s king” mantra he embodied. His daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, will soon succeed him as the next monarch in the line of succession.

The country’s support for the monarchy fell from 72% in 2024 to 54% in a recent poll, yet royal experts maintain that Haakon’s calm demeanor and respect may steer the crown through this turbulent period. The moment marks both a solemn farewell and a hopeful beginning for Norway’s royal narrative.