King Haakon VIII is set to take an oath before Norway’s parliament on Tuesday, pledging to uphold the country’s constitution following the death of his father, King Harald, at the age of 89.
The ceremony in the 169-seat Storting chamber is scheduled to begin at 1100 GMT, where the new monarch will formally declare:
“I promise and swear to rule the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws.”
The oath marks a key constitutional step in Haakon’s accession to the throne. Norway abolished the traditional coronation ceremony in 1908, replacing it with a parliamentary oath and other constitutional procedures.
READ ALSO: Norwegians Mourn King Harald As Son Assumes Throne
Queen Mette-Marit, 53, who is recovering from a lung transplant performed in June, is expected to stand beside the King during the ceremony, mirroring the role played by Queen Sonja during King Harald’s oath in 1991.
Also expected to attend are the King’s children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, as well as Queen Sonja, 89.
Public support for the Norwegian monarchy has increased in the wake of King Harald’s death. A recent poll showed support rising to 72 per cent from 64 per cent in May, while 20 per cent of respondents favoured establishing a republic.
The survey is the first conducted since the late monarch’s passing.
Thousands of mourners have gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, leaving flowers, candles and flags in tribute to King Harald.
In his first address as monarch, King Haakon paid tribute to his father, describing him as “a wonderful father.”
King Harald’s coffin will lie in state at the palace chapel until September 8, ahead of a state funeral scheduled for September 9 in Oslo.
World leaders are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies.
Reuters
