Just four days after the death of his father, Harald V, Haakon VIII has formally begun his reign as King of Norway.
The 53-year-old monarch took his oath before the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, on Tuesday, pledging to fulfill his duties in accordance with the country’s Constitution and laws.
Haakon became king on August 28, immediately following the death of Harald V at the age of 89. Harald had served as Norway’s monarch for 35 years.
As he begins a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy, Haakon VIII has chosen to retain the royal motto “All for Norway,” the same motto adopted by his great-grandfather, Haakon VII.
Norway does not hold a traditional coronation ceremony. The practice was abolished in 1908, and the succession takes place automatically upon the death of the reigning monarch.
Haakon’s oath comes as Norway remains in a period of national mourning for Harald V. The former king’s funeral is scheduled for September 9.
With his oath before Parliament, Haakon VIII officially steps into a new era of the Norwegian monarchy, inheriting not only the crown but also the responsibilities and traditions that come with it.
