Norway’s King Haakon VIII delivered a moving tribute to his deceased father, former King Harald V, during his first address to the nation since ascending the throne. The speech was broadcast live on Norwegian television and radio.
“Thank you for being such a good father to Martha and me,” King Haakon said on Saturday evening. Following King Harald’s passing early Friday morning, Haakon became the new monarch of Norway. He has a sister, Princess Martha Louise.
In his speech, the new king described his father as a warm and humorous grandfather, a loving and affectionate husband, and a generous father-in-law. “You supported us and cared for us all,” he remarked.
“I will miss him,” the 53-year-old king stated about his father. “I will miss his laughter, his warmth, and the cheerful way he approached people and situations,” he added.
Haakon also commemorated his parents’ marriage, noting that Saturday marked the 58th anniversary of King Harald and Queen Sonja’s wedding. His voice trembled as he turned to his mother, saying, “Happy anniversary, dear mother.”
Regarding his own reign, Haakon expressed his intention to follow in his father’s footsteps while also carving out his unique path as a monarch. “Now it is my turn,” he stated, adding that he and his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, aim to be present, listen, and understand the various circumstances of people’s lives.
“We believe in a Norway where there is room for everyone,” he emphasized. Haakon thanked the Norwegian people for their expressions of sympathy following his father’s death and expressed gratitude for Harald’s contributions to the country.
The new king is scheduled to take the constitutional oath before the Norwegian Parliament on Tuesday in a ceremony that will be broadcast live on television.
