Today, King Haakon VIII of Norway officially took his constitutional oath. The solemn ceremony took place before the Storting on Tuesday.
Specifically, the proceedings occurred four days after the death of King Harald V. In fact, the late monarch passed away at age 89 following a brief hospitalization.
Parliamentary Ceremony and Royal Protocol
The historic ceremony carried immense national symbolism, drawing thousands of well-wishers to central Oslo as the monarch traveled from the Royal Palace in a vintage 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible. This historic vehicle holds deep emotional resonance for the royal house, having been used previously at the weddings of King Harald and Queen Sonja, as well as King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit. Inside the Storting, key state figures gathered, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, senior government ministers, and parliamentary representatives.
Parliamentary President Masud Gharahkhani opened the twenty-minute ceremony with a nationwide minute of silence, commending the late King Harald V for 35 years of steadfast service, courage, and constitutional stewardship.
Gharahkhani emphasized that the late sovereign served as an anchor of stability, continuity, and democratic unity, noting that King Haakon VIII inherits a profound institutional legacy. The event concluded with all attendees performing the royal anthem, Kongesangen.
Following the oath, the public viewing chapel at the Royal Palace opened to citizens through September 8 ahead of the official state funeral.
Consequently, European royal commentators view this seamless transition as a reaffirmation of the enduring strength and democratic integration of the Norwegian constitutional monarchy.
References
DW News. (2026, September 1). El rey Haakon VIII de Noruega jura ante el Parlamento. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/es/el-rey-haakon-viii-jura-la-constituci%C3%B3n-ante-el-parlamento-noruego/a-78611244