Norway's new King Haakon VIII has praised his late father, King Harald, for the way he represented the Norwegian people and pledged to dedicate himself fully to the country in his new role as monarch.
King Haakon gave his first address as king on Saturday, broadcast live, a day after his father's death. "We are in mourning. At the same time, we feel comforted and strengthened knowing that so many people are grieving with us," the king said, according to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.
King Harald died on Friday at the age of 89 after a 35-year reign. He suffered from hemolytic anemia, which causes fatigue and shortness of breath.
"As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy, through visits across the country, at events at the royal palace, as well as when working on Norway's behalf around the world," King Haakon said.
Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects. King Haakon thanked the public, saying it was "a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people, flowers, messages of condolence, and candles."
The government has declared a period of national mourning, lasting until after the funeral. The date of the funeral has not been announced, but the Church of Norway will hold memorial services across the country on Sunday. At churches and town halls throughout Norway, people have been signing books of condolence and lighting candles.
In his address, King Haakon said that he, his wife Queen Mette-Marit, and his daughter Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra will always be present and listen to the people.
"We believe in the government of the people – and in democracy. We believe in a society built on law and justice – where everyone is of equal value," he said.
King Haakon is expected to swear an oath to protect Norway's constitution and laws before the legislature on Tuesday.
He ascended to the throne amid controversy surrounding his wife's relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The king's stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby, was also convicted of rape, domestic violence, and other charges, and was sentenced to four years in prison in June.
