Norway’s crown prince Haakon has formally assumed the throne as King Haakon VIII following the death of his father, King Harald V.

At an extraordinary Council of State at the Royal Palace in Oslo on Friday, the new king announced that he would retain the royal motto, “Alt for Norge” (All for Norway).

“I will take the name Haakon VIII and continue the same motto chosen by my father, grandfather and great-grandfather: Alt for Norge,” he said.

Mr Haakon, 53, informed the government of his father’s death and said he had assumed his duties in accordance with the constitution.

He thanked the government and the Norwegian people for their support and sympathy toward the royal family.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed condolences on behalf of the government and the Norwegian people, saying the country was in mourning and grateful for Harald’s lifelong service.

The Royal House said Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time (4:35 a.m. GMT) on Friday.

Mr Harald, 89, had been admitted to hospital on August 17 after his health deteriorated.

The Royal House said he had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial infection in his blood.

His condition was described as “very serious” on Thursday.

Mr Harald became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V.

He had suffered several health challenges in recent years and was fitted with a permanent pacemaker in 2024.

Haakon VIII was born on July 20, 1973, and had served as regent several times when his father was ill or away from the country.

Under Norway’s succession rules, he automatically became king upon Harald’s death.

His eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, has now become crown princess and heir to the Norwegian throne.

(NAN)