Norway's King Haakon VIII sworn in as queen recovers from lung transplant
Quick Look
- King Haakon VIII took his oath before Norway's parliament on Tuesday, marking the first major institutional step of his reign following his father's death.
- His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was unable to attend as she continues to recover from a lung transplant on June 17, experiencing complications including on the day of the oath.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
King Haakon VIII ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Harald V, who died at age 89 on Friday morning. Haakon, aged 53, swore to uphold Norway's constitution, which defines the monarchy's role as primarily symbolic.
Norway’s King Haakon VIII took an oath before parliament on Tuesday, the first major institutional step of his reign, though his wife, still convalescing after a lung transplant, was unable to attend.
Dressed in a ceremonial uniform, the 53-year-old Haakon, who became king when his father King Harald V died on Friday morning aged 89, swore to abide by the Scandinavian country’s constitution, under which the royals have a primarily symbolic function.
“I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and Laws, so help me God, the almighty and omniscient,” he recited in the parliament’s main chamber.
Haakon’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, 53, was not beside her husband as she is still recovering from her June 17 transplant.
Dr. Are Holm, head of the Pulmonary Department at Oslo University Hospital, said in a statement from the palace that complications after a transplant are not “uncommon”.
“The queen has had complications on several occasions since the operation, including today,” Holm said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Queen Mette-Marit will make a public appearance once her health stabilizes
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific complications has Queen Mette-Marit experienced post-transplant?
- When is the queen expected to resume public duties?
- Are there any planned adjustments to the king's official engagements due to the queen's health?
