Norway’s new King Haakon VIII takes an oath before parliament in Oslo, swearing to uphold the country’s constitution. The ceremony marks the first major institutional step of his reign. Haakon, 53, becomes king after his father, King Harald V, dies on Friday at age 89.
Under Norway’s constitutional framework, the monarchy holds a largely symbolic role, with the king’s duties defined by the constitution. Multiple outlets report that Haakon is dressed in ceremonial uniform and publicly promises to govern in accordance with the constitutional order.
The reporting converges on the circumstances surrounding the appearance of his wife, Queen Mette-Marit. Sources say she is still convalescing after a recent lung transplant and does not attend the oath ceremony. Euronews also notes that Haakon adopts the royal motto “All for Norway,” which dates back to his great-grandfather, Haakon VII.
