August 29, 2026
Norway opened a new chapter in its history on Saturday under King Haakon VIII, after the death of his father Harald, a unifying figure who was on the throne for 35 years.
A national period of mourning was declared in the Scandinavian kingdom following the king’s death on Friday at 6:35 am (0435 GMT), at aged 89.
Hugging and laying flowers, thousands of people gathered in the capital, Oslo, on Friday to pay their respects.
Haakon, 53, takes over a monarchy hailed for its modernity and modesty but which has been beset by a string of recent scandals.
