Death of King Harald Succession to the Throne

Touched Haakon in first speech as king: “Thank you for being such a great father to us”

In his first speech as King of Norway, Haakon VIII says that it gives him and his family comfort and strength that so many mourn with them.

Then he turns to his father, King Harald.

– Dear father. Thank you for being such a great father to Märtha and me. Warm and safe.

– I will miss him. I will miss his laughter. His warm way of meeting people and situations.

When he talks about his parents' 58-year marriage, his voice cracks.

– Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, dear mother.

King Haakon also says that a great task now awaits him, and that he is grateful to have his family around him.

As a royal couple, he and Mette-Marit want to be present and listen, and understand different people's living conditions, he says.

– We believe in a society built on law and justice, where everyone is of equal value. We believe in a Norway where there is room for everyone.

He concluded his speech:

– With God's help and the people's support, I look forward to the great task that lies ahead of me. May God preserve our country.

Haakon's speech is praised: "His voice broke - mine too"

Haakon VIII's first speech as king is unanimously praised by commentators in the Norwegian media.

The speech was calm, beautiful and dignified - it will be remembered, writes VG's Hans Petter Sjøli.

"Haakon seems very well prepared for the challenge that awaits him. More so than his father, who took a long time to find his way to exercise his royal duties."

Aftenposten's Harald Stanghelle is equally moved.

– It was one of the most beautiful and moving royal speeches I have heard. A deep and personal reflection on the father who has passed away. It also builds a bridge from the memorial speech to the task he will now take on, he says.

Dagbladet's Sigrid Hvidsten joins the chorus of praise.

– His voice broke. Mine does too. It was so beautiful, so moving, she says in a trembling voice.

– I had expected something cooler and more concrete. This was a deeply personal, emotional, fantastic speech.