Oslo – On Tuesday, King Haakon VIII will appear before Norway’s parliament to take the constitutional oath required of the nation’s sovereign. The ceremony, set for 1100 GMT in the 169‑seat Storting chamber, will reaffirm the country’s commitment to its constitutional monarchy.
Haakon automatically succeeded his father, King Harald, who passed away on Friday at age 89. In the days since the king’s death, tens of thousands of Norwegians have streamed to the royal palace to lay flowers, drawings, candles and flags in tribute.
Oath and Family Presence
During the oath, the new king will declare, “I promise and swear to rule the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws, so help me God the Almighty and All‑knowing.” His wife, Queen Mette‑Marit, who is recovering from a successful lung transplant, will stand beside him, echoing Queen Sonja’s role when Harald took his oath in 1991.
The royal children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra (22) and Prince Sverre Magnus (20), will also attend, along with their grandmother, former Queen Sonja, now 89.
Public Mourning and Funeral Plans
After the oath, the public will be allowed to pay respects to King Harald’s coffin, which will lie in state at the palace chapel until September 8. Large crowds are expected. The funeral is scheduled for September 9 in Oslo, with heads of state from around the world invited to attend.
Monarchy Support Remains Strong
A recent Norstat poll for broadcaster NRK shows 72 % of Norwegians continue to support the monarchy, up from 64 % in May. Only 20 % favor a republic or another form of government.
Norway abolished coronations in 1908, so there will be no coronation ceremony for King Haakon VIII. The oath ceremony underscores the constitutional foundations of the nation’s government and the continuity of the royal family’s role in public life.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
