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Harald V dies and Haakon VIII succeeds
Norway is mourning a king as his son begins a new reign.
What happened
King Harald V died in Oslo on Friday, aged 89, ending a 35-year reign. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, became King Haakon VIII as Norway declared national mourning. Mourners placed flowers outside Oslo’s Royal Palace, while condolence books opened around the country. Haakon addressed the nation in his first speech as sovereign.
Numbers
- 89Harald’s age at death — He died on Friday
- 35 yearshis time on the throne — He became king in 1991
- 20,000+mourners gathered in Oslo — At the Royal Palace
- 1 SepHaakon’s constitutional oath is due — During national mourning
Questions
- Who is next in line?
- Mette-Marit became queen, and their eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, became crown princess and first in line to the throne.
- Why was Harald widely remembered?
- During his reign, Harald backed a more modern monarchy and married Sonja, who had not been born into royalty.
- How can people take part?
- Churches and city halls opened for candles and condolence messages; the public will also be allowed a final farewell in the palace chapel.
- What formal step comes next?
- Haakon is due to swear the Constitution on Tuesday, a formal step as the country observes national mourning.
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The catch
Coverage gives no funeral date or detailed account of transition arrangements beyond the constitutional oath.
Funeral plans remain unpublished.