Norway Mourns Death of King Harald V as Haakon VIII Ascends Throne

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89. Following the announcement of his peaceful passing on Friday morning, tens of thousands of Norwegians gathered at the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects by leaving flowers and condolence cards. In response to the death, church bells rang across the country for one hour between 12:00 and 13:00, and political parties in the Storting agreed to suspend political activities until the burial. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani expressed the nation's grief and gratitude for the King's life.

Crown Prince Haakon has ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII. He has adopted the motto "Everything for Norway," a phrase used by his father and ancestors. King Haakon VIII is scheduled to take an oath in the Storting and receive a blessing in a church on Tuesday. Princess Ingrid Alexandra has become the heir apparent. While King Haakon VIII is viewed as capable and approachable, reports differ on the public perception of the new Queen, Mette-Marit.

Outlets with a center-left lean emphasize the public's intimate expressions of gratitude and the symbolic role of the monarchy in promoting Norway globally. Conversely, outlets with a center-right lean highlight a shadow over the new Queen. This framing focuses on a decline in approval ratings for the royal house linked to controversies involving Mette-Marit, specifically the conviction of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, for rape, drug possession, and aggravated assault, as well as her past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.