King Haakon VIII Honors Late Father Harald in First Address

King Haakon VIII of Norway paid an emotional tribute to his late father, King Harald, in his first address to the nation since ascending the throne, praising him as a devoted parent and a monarch who championed unity and inclusion.

King Harald died on Friday at the age of 89 after more than three decades on the Norwegian throne. Haakon automatically became king under Norway’s constitutional monarchy and will take an oath in parliament on Tuesday to uphold the country’s constitution and laws.

Speaking from the royal palace in a recorded televised address, Haakon thanked Harald for being “such a good dad” to him and his sister, Princess Martha Louise.

“I am going to miss him. I am going to miss his laughter,” Haakon said, also recalling his father’s warm approach to people and difficult situations.

The new king became visibly emotional when addressing his mother, Queen Sonja. Saturday would have marked Harald and Sonja’s 58th wedding anniversary.

Haakon said he intends to follow his own path as monarch while defending Norway’s democratic traditions, rule of law and commitment to equal rights. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a society where everyone feels they belong.

Norway no longer holds royal coronations, which parliament abolished in 1908.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told Reuters that Haakon shares his father’s ability to foster a sense of togetherness among Norwegians.

Harald’s death has prompted widespread mourning across Norway. Tens of thousands of people have traveled to the royal palace, where the late king lies in state. Flags have been lowered to half-mast, while Harald’s portraits have appeared across public spaces in Oslo.

Many mourners remembered Harald for promoting tolerance and inclusiveness. His widely shared 2016 speech, in which he embraced Norwegians regardless of background or sexual orientation, remains particularly significant for supporters.

Crowds packed Oslo’s Karl Johan avenue carrying flowers, handwritten messages, drawings and Norwegian flags as they headed toward the palace to honor a king remembered for bringing people together.