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Norway: New King Haakon makes first speech to the nation
DW.com • • general
Key Points:
- King Haakon VIII of Norway paid tribute to his late father, King Harald V, describing him as a committed and devoted family man in his first national address as monarch following Harald’s death at age 89.
- Haakon emphasized his intention to follow his own path as king while upholding Norway’s constitutional monarchy, democracy, and rule of law, with a formal oath scheduled in parliament.
- A national mourning period has been declared, with memorial services planned and over 20,000 people having paid tribute at the palace where flags flew at half-mast.
- King Harald V was known as a reformer and a symbol of an open, tolerant Norway, having reduced his duties due to declining health from hemolytic anemia before his passing.
- The royal family is currently facing challenges including scrutiny over Queen Mette-Marit’s past associations and her health issues, as well as legal troubles involving her son from a previous relationship.
