Norway has a new king. At the moment of Harald V's death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically ascended the throne and became King Haakon VIII. In Norway, the throne does not remain vacant: after the death of the monarch, the heir becomes the new head of state at that very second. This principle is reflected in the famous phrase "The King is dead — long live the King!" The royal flag over the palace was lowered in mourning for Harald V, but by that time, the country already had a new monarch. At the same time, Haakon's eldest daughter Ingrid Alexandra became Crown Princess and heir to the throne. ### He Was Prepared for This Since Birth Haakon was born in 1973, two years after his sister, Princess Märtha Louise. However, the succession order in place at that time favored sons, so after the death of his grandfather, King Olav V, in 1991, it was Haakon who became the heir. In 1990, Norway amended its constitution to establish the principle of primogeniture regardless of gender, but the amendment did not have retroactive effect. Haakon himself has said that as a child he dreamed of owning a toy store, but he realized quite early that his life path was already determined and that one day he would become king. In recent years, Haakon has taken on more responsibilities and has repeatedly acted as regent due to his father's health issues. Harald V referred to his son not only as an heir but also as a friend and colleague with whom he consulted. "He’s a smart guy. When his time comes, everything will be fine," Harald said about his son in the book "The King Tells." According to Harald V, Haakon has been involved in the affairs of the monarchy for almost his entire reign, and as king, he will be able to decide which traditions to keep and which to change. ### An Educated King Who Wanted to Be a Surfer Haakon earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in development studies from the London School of Economics, specializing in international trade and Africa. He also trained at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy and took a diplomatic course. The new king enjoys surfing and skiing. He once confessed to NRK that if he were not part of the royal family, he could have become a surfer. In his youth, Haakon loved rock and rap music and attended music festivals across Europe. ### His Marriage Once Divided Norway It was at a music festival in 1999 that Haakon met Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby. She was a single mother, and her past and connections to a party scene where illegal drugs were used sparked serious controversy in the country.  Some Norwegians supported the couple, while others questioned whether such a partner was suitable for the future king. Haakon received his father's permission to marry, and in August 2001, the couple wed in Oslo Cathedral. Over time, Mette-Marit managed to win the sympathy of a significant portion of society. The couple has two children — Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Haakon also became a stepfather to Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, who does not hold a royal title.  ### What Happens After the Change of King After ascending the throne, Haakon convened an extraordinary meeting of the Council of State at the Royal Palace, where he met with the government for the first time as head of state. During such a meeting, the new monarch officially announces the death of the previous king and his accession to the throne, as well as declares the royal name and motto. After the meeting, the royal flag over the palace is raised to the top of the flagpole — now in honor of the new monarch. In memory of Harald V, the royal flag with a mourning ribbon will remain lowered on the palace balcony until the funeral. Flags on official buildings across the country will also be lowered. Although Haakon became king automatically, the Constitution requires that the new monarch take an oath before the parliament — the Storting. This is expected to happen a few days after Harald V's death. Haakon had already taken a similar oath in 1991 when he turned 18. This allowed him, as crown prince, to perform the duties of regent. Now he will take the oath as king. His daughter Ingrid Alexandra will also need to sign an oath so that she can perform regent duties in her father's absence in the future. ### But Haakon Received the Crown Amid Scandals One of King Haakon VIII's main tasks will be to restore the reputation of the royal family after a series of scandals. A particularly serious blow came from the case of his stepson Marius Borg Høiby. In June, he was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty on two of four counts of rape, as well as violence and abuse in intimate relationships. The defense announced plans to appeal the verdict. At the same time, renewed attention was drawn to Mette-Marit's past contacts with the late American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She apologized for her association with him, acknowledging that she had shown a lack of judgment. No charges have been brought against her. Haakon's sister Märtha Louise has also faced criticism — partly due to her unusual beliefs and claims of being able to communicate with angels. ### Support for the Monarchy Has Decreased The family scandals occur against the backdrop of declining popularity for the monarchy. According to a Dagbladet poll in 2022, 68% of respondents supported its preservation. In a 2017 NRK poll, this figure was 81%. The Norwegian monarchy traces its history back to King Harald Fairhair, who ruled in the 9th century. After gaining independence in 1905, about three-quarters of referendum participants expressed support for restoring the monarchy. Today, the role of the king is primarily symbolic, while real political power belongs to the elected parliament. Nevertheless, the monarch remains the head of state and represents Norway on the international stage. ### A New Era for Norway Haakon VIII has ascended to the throne for which he has been preparing for almost his entire life. He is well acquainted with state duties and has observed his father's work from the inside for many years. However, the beginning of his own reign comes during a challenging period: the new king must not only continue the traditions of Harald V and prepare Ingrid Alexandra for her future role as monarch but also restore the royal family's lost trust among Norwegians.
