Norway’s Haakon VIII has formally sworn an oath before parliament in Oslo, marking the first major official step of his reign following the death of his father, King Harald V.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, members of parliament observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late monarch, who died on Friday. The solemn proceedings marked the beginning of a new chapter for Norway’s royal family.
Following the oath-taking, mourners began arriving to pay their final respects to King Harald V. His coffin is lying in state at the Royal Palace, where members of the public are expected to continue paying their respects until September 8.
The transition comes as Norway begins preparations for the late king’s funeral and the formal establishment of Haakon VIII’s reign.
