Archive · 28 Aug 2026
How Norway’s Monarchy Succession Proceeds After Harald’s Death
Norway’s King Harald V has died at age 89.
His son, Haakon, becomes king automatically because he is the heir.
Haakon must meet the government and announce his royal name and motto.
He will also promise before parliament to follow Norway’s Constitution and laws.
Haakon’s daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, becomes the new crown princess.
She may act as regent if Haakon cannot perform his duties.
The date of Harald’s funeral has not been announced.
Haakon may choose to have his reign blessed in a ceremony at Trondheim Cathedral.
Crown Prince Haakon automatically becomes king after King Harald V’s death.
Haakon will inform the government and announce his chosen royal name and motto.
He must swear an oath before parliament to uphold Norway’s Constitution and laws.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Haakon’s 22-year-old daughter, becomes crown princess.
Haakon may later hold a consecration ceremony at Trondheim Cathedral; the funeral date is not yet public.
- Who
- King Harald V died, and Crown Prince Haakon succeeds him; Princess Ingrid Alexandra becomes crown princess.
- What
- Norway’s constitutional and ceremonial succession process following the monarch’s death.
- When
- King Harald V died Friday; the dates for Haakon’s oath and Harald’s funeral have not been announced.
- Where
- The succession steps involve the royal palace, parliament, and potentially Trondheim Cathedral.
- Why
- Norway’s Constitution and royal protocol establish the process for transferring the throne and confirming the new monarch.
- Deceased monarch
- King Harald V, who died at age 89
- New monarch
- Crown Prince Haakon, age 53
- New crown princess
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra, age 22
- Oath
- Haakon must swear to govern according to Norway’s Constitution and laws
- Funeral
- The date of King Harald’s funeral has not been made public
- Possible ceremony
- Haakon may choose a consecration ceremony at Trondheim Cathedral
- Previous example
- King Harald V took his oath four days after King Olav V’s death in 1991