Norway Crown Prince Haakon Becomes King After Father Harald V Dies at 89
SCMP · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Crown Prince Haakon officially became Norway's new monarch on Friday following the death of his father, King Harald V, who passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time . The 53-year-old Crown Prince immediately succeeded to the throne under Norway's rules of succession, becoming the country's first new monarch in over three decades .
Key Points
- King Harald V died at age 89 on February 21, 1937, having ruled since January 17, 1991, after succeeding his father King Olav V
- Crown Prince Haakon was born Haakon Magnus on July 20, 1973, and studied politics at UC Berkeley and development studies at the London School of Economics
- He met his wife Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby at a music festival in Kristiansand in 1999; she was a commoner and single parent, initially triggering media controversy
- His stepson Marius Borg Hoiby was convicted in June of two counts of rape and one count of domestic violence, sentenced to four years in prison
- Haakon will announce his regnal name at an extraordinary council of state, expected to become King Haakon VIII, with his daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra becoming crown princess
Why It Matters
The peaceful transition marks continuity for one of Europe's oldest continuous monarchies, though Haakon faces modern challenges including public scrutiny over family scandals that tested Norwegian attitudes toward their royal institution . His reign will likely maintain Norway's understated approach to monarchy, with no formal coronation planned—unlike the elaborate ceremonies seen in neighbouring Britain .
The peaceful transition marks continuity for one of Europe's oldest continuous monarchies, though Haakon faces modern challenges including public scrutiny over family scandals that tested Norwegian attitudes toward their royal institution . His reign will likely maintain Norway's understated approach to monarchy, with no formal coronation planned—unlike the elaborate ceremonies seen in neighbouring Britain .