Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne - BBC News

Mourners gather outside the palace as royals, politicians and citizens remember a beloved king, whose son has adopted the family motto "all for norway".

Image source, Cornelius Poppe / NTB / AFP via Getty Images) / Norway OUTByMallory MoenchPublished28 August 2026Norwegians are grieving the death of the beloved King Harald V, as a period of national mourning begins and his son Haakon VIII assumes the throne.

After Harald's death was announced early on Friday, crowds amassed at the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers and flags, some mourners visibly in tears.

The 53-year-old new king held an extraordinary council of state meeting with government ministers, saying he was taking on the royal family's motto "All for Norway".

Harald - who was on the throne for 35 years - died in hospital at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) aged 89, after being treated there for a rare blood condition. His coffin was later taken to the palace in a public procession.

Image source, Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Memorials outside the palace included a candle with the word "thanks" written on it