Norway: King Haakon VIII takes constitutional oath

The new Norwegian King Haakon VIII took his oath to the constitution in the parliament in Oslo. After the death of his father Harald V on Friday, Haakon became king immediately. Changing the throne also involves taking an oath to the constitution.

In Parliament, Haakon spoke the words: "I vow and swear to govern the Kingdom of Norway according to its constitution and laws, so help me the Almighty and All-Knowing God!" The new king also repeated his motto "All for Norway," which he inherited from his father.

The new Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra stood next to her father during the oath in Parliament. She should also take an oath in writing later in the day. At the first cabinet meeting, the king will inform that the oath has been signed and sent to the Norwegian parliament, the royal family said.

Harald's widow and former Queen Sonja was also present. Haakon's wife, the new queen Mette-Marit, was unable to attend due to complications following her lung transplant. Parliament observed a minute's silence in memory of the late king.

There are no longer any coronations in Norway

When King Haakon drove from the palace to Parliament in an open limousine to take the oath, many people gathered on the side of the road to catch a glimpse of the new monarch. Haakon then walked into parliament via a red carpet. Harald's widow, Queen Sonja, and the king's children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, accompanied Haakon.

The swearing-in is an important step in a transition of power in the monarchy and is intended to make it clear that the king's powers and prerogatives are limited and regulated by the constitution. Coronations were abolished in Norway in 1908. Royal duties in Norway are essentially symbolic and representative in nature.

Harald V had been King of Norway since 1991. He recently suffered from health problems and died on Friday at the age of 89. His funeral is scheduled for September 9th.