Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Norway Prepares Low-Key Royal Transition After King Harald’s Death
Norway has a new king because King Harald died.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, became king on Friday.
People in Norway will have several days to mourn Harald.
His funeral will take place at Oslo Cathedral.
He will be buried at Akershus Fortress with other members of the royal family.
Haakon must meet with the government and tell it what name and motto he will use.
He is expected to remain King Haakon VIII and may keep the motto “Everything for Norway.”
He will also promise Parliament that he will follow Norway’s constitution and laws.
Norway will not put a crown on his head in a formal coronation, but he may have a quieter consecration ceremony.
Crown Prince Haakon became Norway’s king on Friday after the death of his father, King Harald.
Norway will observe several days of national mourning before Harald’s funeral at Oslo Cathedral.
Harald will be buried in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress alongside royal ancestors.
Haakon must formally notify the government, announce his name and motto, and swear an oath before Parliament.
Norway will not hold a formal coronation, though Haakon may choose a consecration at Nidaros Cathedral.
- Who
- Crown Prince Haakon succeeded his father, King Harald, as Norway’s monarch.
- What
- Norway is carrying out a royal succession and mourning ceremonies following Harald’s death.
- When
- Haakon became king on Friday; several days of mourning will precede Harald’s funeral.
- Where
- The ceremonies will take place in Norway, including at Oslo Cathedral, Akershus Fortress, the Storting and possibly Nidaros Cathedral.
- Why
- The transition follows the death of King Harald.
- New monarch
- Crown Prince Haakon
- Expected royal name
- King Haakon VIII of Norway
- Expected motto
- “Alt for Norge,” meaning “Everything for Norway”
- Funeral venue
- Oslo Cathedral
- Burial site
- The royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress
- Parliamentary oath
- Haakon will swear to rule according to Norway’s constitution and laws.
- Coronation
- There will be no formal ceremony placing a crown on Haakon’s head.