In his poignant inaugural address as sovereign, King Haakon VIII of Norway paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, King Harald, remembering him as a “good dad” and an inclusive monarch. He also offered an emotional anniversary wish to his widowed mother, Queen Sonja. King Haakon vowed to uphold Norway’s democratic values and rule of law, embracing his new role with a promise of continuity and national unity.
King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered a profoundly moving address to the nation, paying homage to his late father, King Harald, whom he described as "such a good dad." His voice, at times, quivered with emotion, particularly when he spoke of his widowed mother, Queen Sonja, marking his inaugural speech as sovereign.
King Harald, who successfully navigated his reign for over three decades, stepping out from the formidable shadow of his popular and extroverted father, was a noted reformer. He passed away on Friday at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service.
During his televised speech from the palace, King Haakon, dressed somberly in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, highlighted Harald's warmth as a family man.
"My dear father, thank you for being such a good dad for Martha and I," he articulated, referencing his sister, Princess Martha Louise.
With a portrait of a smiling King Harald positioned to his left, King Haakon continued, "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."
He poignantly noted that the day of his speech should have been the 58th wedding anniversary for Harald and Queen Sonja. "Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, dear Mummy," Haakon said, his voice visibly filled with emotion.
A Monarchy for All: Emphasizing Unity
King Haakon stressed his commitment to forging his own path, much as his father had done, while reaffirming Norway's constitutional monarchy. He underscored the significance of the oath he is scheduled to take in parliament on Tuesday, pledging to safeguard the nation's constitution and laws.
"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," the new King declared.
Under Norway's constitutional framework, Haakon automatically ascended to the throne upon his father's death. Coronations were abolished by parliament in 1908, meaning no such ceremony will take place.
He concluded this segment by stating, "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." Outside the palace, mourners who watched the broadcast on their mobile phones spontaneously applauded, a testament to the speech's resonance.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, speaking to Reuters shortly before the speech aired, drew parallels between father and son. "This King has something from his father, which is the ability to create an atmosphere of togetherness," he remarked.
A Legacy of Tolerance and Inclusivity Remembered
Since King Harald's passing, tens of thousands have flocked to the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay their respects, where he lies in state. Well-wishers frequently recalled his profound sense of inclusiveness and tolerance.
Flags across the country flew at half-mast, and images of the late King in gala uniform adorned bus stops, trams, metro stations, shops, offices, and public buildings. The central Oslo avenue, Karl Johan, was densely populated with people from all walks of life, carrying flowers, handwritten cards, drawings, and small national flags as they headed towards the palace.
Mourners consistently praised the late King's inclusive spirit. Veselina Vitanova, a 43-year-old teacher originally from Bulgaria, expressed her gratitude outside the palace: "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 emblazoned with a rainbow and a drawing of King Harald, featuring a quote from his famous 2016 speech: "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys and girls and boys who love each other." This speech had resonated globally. "It embodies the way he felt about people and the way he wanted us Norwegians to feel about each other," Eidsvaag explained to Reuters, adding, "I think it's a very important statement, especially these days."
