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Haakon VIII becomes Norway’s king
Haakon VIII took Norway’s throne after the death of King Harald V.
What happened
Crown Prince Haakon became King Haakon VIII on 28 August after King Harald V died. Harald had reigned for 35 years. Haakon’s daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, became crown princess and heir apparent. The palace published its first official image of the new king, who retained the royal motto “All for Norway”.
Numbers
- 35 yearsHarald V’s time on throne — Before Haakon’s accession
- Since 1991Haakon served as heir apparent — Before becoming king
Questions
- Why did Haakon inherit before his sister?
- Later gender-neutral succession rules did not apply retroactively, leaving Haakon ahead of his older sister in the line of succession.
- What role did Haakon hold beforehand?
- He had served as regent as Harald’s health declined, taking on royal responsibilities before formally succeeding his father.
- What issues face the royal household?
- Coverage highlights scrutiny of Mette-Marit’s Epstein correspondence and the criminal case involving her son, alongside expectations for Haakon’s reign.
- How did Haakon prepare for public life?
- He attended state primary school, trained at the Naval Academy, and studied politics and development studies in the United States and Britain.
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The catch
Coverage gives no timetable for Harald’s funeral or any formal ceremonies marking Haakon’s accession.