King Haakon VIII swore the constitutional oath before the Storting on Tuesday, formally sealing his accession after the death of his father, King Harald V. The ceremony, held in the parliament’s main chamber at 13:00 CET, underscored the continuity of Norway’s parliamentary democracy and contributed to a rise in Norway monarchy support.
The 46‑year‑old monarch placed his hand on the 1814 constitution and pledged to uphold its provisions, a requirement that defines the king’s role as a ceremonial guarantor of democratic institutions rather than a policymaker. The oath reaffirms the long‑standing balance between a symbolic monarchy and a fully elected legislature.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra attended the ceremony. Queen Mette‑Marit, 53, was absent due to complications following a lung transplant performed in June. A hospital statement said she remains under close observation, but gave no further details. Her absence was noted by international outlets, highlighting the personal challenges facing the royal family during a period of national mourning.
A weekend poll by NRK found that 72 % of respondents now support the monarchy, up from 64 % in May. Analysts attribute the rise to a surge of national solidarity after King Harald V’s death and the visible commitment to constitutional norms demonstrated by the oath. The data suggests the ceremony has temporarily boosted public confidence in the institution.
International observers described the smooth transition as a sign of political steadiness in a key NATO member. Norway’s constitution leaves no room for abrupt policy shifts tied to the accession; the king’s duties remain largely ceremonial, and the parliamentary majority retains full legislative authority.
The late king’s casket lies in state at the Royal Palace, and his state funeral is scheduled for 9 September. After the funeral, King Haakon VIII will begin his first official engagements as monarch.
The coming weeks will test whether the heightened public support endures or fades as the nation moves beyond the mourning period. For now, the oath and the poll together signal a reaffirmation of Norway’s democratic identity and the monarchy’s place within it.