King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered an emotional first speech as sovereign, paying homage to his late father, King Harald V, as “such a good dad.” He expressed deep personal grief while also pledging to uphold Norway’s democratic values and ensure an inclusive society, echoing his father’s legacy. Public sentiment, as observed by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and mourners, highlights King Harald’s enduring impact as a unifying and tolerant figure.
In a deeply moving address to the nation, Norway's newly ascended monarch, King Haakon VIII, paid a poignant tribute to his late father, King Harald V, describing him as "such a good dad." The King's voice briefly wavered with emotion as he acknowledged his widowed mother, Queen Sonja, marking his first speech as sovereign.
King Harald V, who passed away on Friday at the age of 89, had reigned for over three decades, stepping out from the shadow of his popular father to become a significant reformer. His son, Haakon, dressed in a solemn black suit, white shirt, and black tie, delivered his televised message from the palace, highlighting Harald's warmth as a family man.
Reflecting on personal memories, King Haakon shared, "My dear father, thank you for being such a good dad for Martha and I," referring to his sister, Princess Martha Louise. He continued, expressing his profound loss: "I am going to miss him. I am going to miss his laughter. I am going to miss his good-natured way to meet people and situations." During his address, a portrait of a smiling King Harald was visible to his left.
The speech also touched upon a bittersweet detail, noting that the day should have been the 58th wedding anniversary of Harald and Queen Sonja, who survives him. "Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, dear Mummy," Haakon said, his voice again momentarily overcome with emotion.
A Unified People
King Haakon underscored his intent to forge his own path, much like his father before him, while reaffirming Norway's bedrock principles as a constitutional monarchy. He reiterated his commitment to the nation's constitution and laws, an oath he is slated to take in parliament on Tuesday.
"We believe in our system of self-governance — and in democracy. We believe in a society built on the rule of law — where every individual has equal worth," he stated. Haakon's ascension to the throne was automatic upon his father's passing, in line with Norway's constitutional monarchy, with no coronation planned as they were abolished in 1908.
"We believe in a Norway where there is room for everyone. We shall feel the strength of our community - and know deep within ourselves that we are one people," he concluded. Outside the palace, mourners, who had watched the broadcast on their mobile phones, erupted in spontaneous applause.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, speaking to Reuters just moments before the King's speech, remarked on the shared qualities between the new monarch and his father. "This King has something from his father, which is the ability to create an atmosphere of togetherness," he commented from outside the palace.
Harald's Legacy of Tolerance and Inclusiveness
Since King Harald's death, thousands have flocked to the royal palace in Oslo, where he lies in state, to pay their final respects. Many well-wishers have specifically recalled his profound sense of inclusiveness and tolerance. Flags across the country flew at half-mast, and portraits of the late king adorned bus stops, trams, metro stations, shops, offices, and public buildings.
The main avenue in central Oslo, Karl Johan, was densely packed with people from all walks of life, bearing flowers, handwritten cards, drawings, and small national flags as they headed towards the palace. Mourners praised the late king's inclusive spirit.
Veselina Vitanova, a 43-year-old teacher originally from Bulgaria, expressed her gratitude to Reuters, "He meant a lot to us immigrants ... We felt really very included. So, thanks to him, I feel so Norwegian."
Another mourner, Mari Eidsvaag, 32, wore a T-shirt featuring a rainbow and a drawing of King Harald, emblazoned with a quote from his viral 2016 speech: "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys and girls and boys who love each other." She told Reuters, "It embodies the way he felt about people and the way he wanted us Norwegians to feel about each other... I think it's a very important statement, especially these days."
