In a solemn gathering shortly after the death of King Harald V, King Haakon of Norway convened his inaugural cabinet meeting as the new monarch on 28 August 2026. Accompanied by his daughter, the recently appointed Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, he addressed government officials at the Royal Palace in Oslo, marking a significant transition in Norway’s royal family.
The announcement of King Harald’s passing earlier that day, which occurred at the age of 89, came from the Royal Court at approximately 06:35. In his inaugural address, King Haakon expressed his solemn duty to inform the Council of State of his father’s death, stating, “I have assumed the government as King of Norway.” He also announced his regnal name, Haakon VIII, affirming his commitment to the family motto: “Everything for Norway.”
The atmosphere at the cabinet meeting was notably grave, with King Haakon, aged 53, presenting himself with a serious demeanour as he engaged with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other members of the government. Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is now the heir apparent to the throne at 22, joined in this momentous occasion. Recently returning to Norway from Australia for her studies at the University of Oslo, she is adjusting to her new responsibilities while continuing to navigate personal challenges within her family.
Later that same day, arrangements were made to transfer King Harald’s body from the National Hospital to the Royal Palace. The royal family, including Queen Mette-Marit and their children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, along with Queen Sonja and Princess Märtha Louise, were expected to follow the procession as a mark of respect for the late king.
King Harald V’s reign, which spanned 35 years, began in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav. Throughout his rule, he faced various health challenges, particularly in the latter years of his life, with significant hospitalisations earlier in 2026. Following a bout of dehydration during a vacation, King Harald had been re-admitted to hospital just days before his passing, where his condition was reported to have deteriorated significantly.
The loss of King Harald is compounded by existing family trials. Queen Mette-Marit, aged 53, has been recuperating from a lung transplant undertaken in June after a lengthy battle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis. In a recent update, King Haakon remarked on the long journey ahead for her recovery, amidst the backdrop of their evolving family circumstances.
Adding further complexity to this challenging time, Queen Mette-Marit was entangled in controversy earlier in the year when her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein were raised during an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. In a heartfelt statement, she acknowledged her responsibility for not having conducted due diligence and expressed deep regret over her encounters with Epstein, who has been implicated in serious criminal activities.
Additionally, challenges within the family circle continued as Marius Borg Høiby, Queen Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, was recently sentenced to four years in prison for multiple offences, including rape. His case has drawn significant media attention and is currently subject to appeal.
In light of these recent events, King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra find themselves navigating the complexities of royal duties against a backdrop of familial challenges. As the new king assumes his responsibilities, he will continue to lead Norway during a time of both mourning and transition for the royal family.
The people of Norway, along with global observers, will undoubtedly be keen to follow the developments in the royal household as King Haakon VIII embarks on this significant chapter in his reign, committed to the legacy of his father while confronting contemporary issues facing the institution.