Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon V, delivered his first national address on Saturday, paying tribute to his late father, King Harald V, who died earlier this week. The speech came as tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Oslo to honor the former king, according to AP News.
Haakon’s remarks marked the formal beginning of a new royal era for Norway. In his address, the new king acknowledged the deep public grief and reflected on his father’s legacy, AP News reports. The scale of the turnout in the capital underscored the late king’s popularity, with crowds filling public spaces to pay their respects.
King Harald V’s death has drawn reactions from across Europe and beyond. Reuters reported that international figures and institutions have offered condolences, while Marie Claire noted that Britain’s King Charles expressed “profound sadness” over the loss of his “dear cousin.” NBC News confirmed that the mourning in Oslo was extensive, describing the transition as a significant moment for the Norwegian monarchy.
