World · World News Bureau
Norway's King Haakon takes oath as Harald V lies in state
King Haakon VII of Norway was formally sworn in following the death of his father, King Harald V, as mourners gathered at Oslo's Royal Palace to pay their final respects. The ceremonial transition marks the beginning of a new era for the Nordic monarchy.
LSN World News ·
King Haakon took his oath of office in a solemn ceremony as Norway entered a period of national mourning for its late sovereign. The constitutional proceedings represented the formal commencement of his reign, following decades as Crown Prince and heir to the throne.
Late King Harald V lay in state at the Royal Palace, allowing members of the public and dignitaries to pay their respects. The period of lying in state is a significant tradition in Norwegian royal protocol, providing citizens an opportunity to honor the departed monarch who reigned for 30 years.
Harald V, who ascended to the throne in 1991, was Norway's longest-reigning king in modern history. His passing marked the end of a reign that witnessed significant changes in Norwegian society and the Nordic region's geopolitical landscape.
The transition to King Haakon's reign occurs amid broader European developments affecting the Nordic kingdoms. Norway's constitutional monarchy continues under established parliamentary traditions that have defined the nation's governance for generations.