Norway's King Haakon VIII Swears Oath to Constitution in Parliament

King Haakon VIII pledged an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament on Tuesday, marking an important symbolic step as he takes over after his late father's 35-year reign.

Haakon became Norway's monarch when King Harald V died on Friday morning at age 89. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, missed the ceremony due to complications from a lung transplant in June, with their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, standing by his side. The 53-year-old King Haakon VIII recited, "I promise and swear that I will govern the kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws; so help me God, the almighty and omniscient," before cabinet ministers and MPs in the main chamber of the 169-seat parliament.

He was driven from the royal palace to the Storting, or parliament, in an open car. Speaker Masud Gharahkhani read the official announcement of Harald's death and Haakon's succession. Dr. Are Holm, a pulmonologist at Oslo University Hospital, stated that complications after a lung transplant are not uncommon and Queen Mette-Marit had experienced them on several occasions, including Tuesday, requiring observation.

King Harald V died at 89 after a period of ailing health, having faced mounting health problems in his final years. His funeral is scheduled for September 9 in Oslo Cathedral, with heads of state from around the world invited. Tens of thousands of Norwegians have flocked to the royal palace to lay flowers, drawings, candles, and flags in tribute.

Norway abolished coronations in 1908, but monarchs can opt for a consecration ceremony at Trondheim Cathedral. Haakon has adopted the motto "All for Norway," which dates back to his great-grandfather. Marius Borg Høiby, Queen Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, who is serving a four-year prison sentence under house arrest after being found guilty on two counts of rape and 30 additional charges, was granted temporary release to attend King Harald V's funeral service on September 9. He was also approved to participate in Monday evening's procession when the King's remains were transferred to the palace chapel.