Norwegian Monarch Reflects on Legacy Amid National Mourning

Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII, has expressed heartfelt admiration for his late father, King Harald, as the nation observes a period of mourning following his passing. King Harald, who died at 89 after 35 years on the throne, was remembered for his dedication to representing the Norwegian people both domestically and internationally.

In his inaugural speech broadcast on Saturday, just a day after his father’s death, Haakon acknowledged the collective grief felt across the country. “We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us,” he stated. Tens of thousands gathered at the royal palace in Oslo, leaving flowers and messages of condolence.

As Norway enters a national mourning period, memorial services are set to take place nationwide. Haakon emphasized his commitment to the values of democracy and justice, promising to honor his role as king when he takes his oath on Tuesday.

Source: www.aljazeera.com