Norway’s New King Haakon VIII Takes Constitutional Oath as Queen Remains Under Observation
King Haakon VIII swore to uphold Norway’s constitution in the Storting chamber on Sept 1, marking the first act of his reign after King Harald V’s death. The ceremony proceeded without Queen Mette‑Marit, who remains under observation following complications from a lung transplant performed in June. Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra signed the oath in writing at the Royal Palace. Speaker Masud Gharahkhani read the proclamation of the former king’s death and the succession, and a minute of silence was observed for the late king. Public support for the monarchy remains high.
Why it matters
The oath signals the continuity of Norway’s constitutional monarchy while the royal family manages the queen’s health challenges.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTAll camps report King Haakon VIII’s oath and the largely ceremonial nature of the monarchy, but left-leaning coverage stresses democratic values and family controversies, centrist coverage highlights the constitutional ceremony and the queen’s health, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds the massive public mourning and the symbolic, limited-power role of the king.
LEFT
Frames the event as a solemn democratic transition, emphasizing the oath to the constitution, the queen’s health issues, and ongoing family controversies.
CENTER
Frames the ceremony as a constitutional affirmation of a largely ceremonial monarchy, noting the queen’s observation after her transplant.
RIGHT
Frames the occasion as a symbolic, largely ceremonial moment underscored by massive public mourning and the limited political power of the monarchy.
The left emphasises
- the king’s oath to uphold Norway’s constitution and laws
- queen Mette-Marit’s ongoing health complications after her lung transplant
- reference to past controversies surrounding the royal family
The right emphasises
- tens of thousands gathering to mourn the late king
- the symbolic nature of the monarchy within Norway’s parliamentary system
- the limited political authority of the king
How this story developed
- Aug 28 Norway's King Harald passes at 89, son Haakon VIII ascends the throne
- Aug 29 King Haakon VIII delivered his first national address.
- Aug 30 Haakon will take the parliamentary oath on Tuesday.
- Sep 1 King Haakon VIII took the constitutional oath before parliament.
- Sep 2 Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra signed the oath in writing at the Royal Palace.
