The Associated Press reported that the new king adopted the motto «All for Norway» used by his great-grandfather. Haakon’s eldest child Ingrid Alexandra has become crown princess and heir to the throne. As his father’s health deteriorated in recent years, the 53-year-old had already acted as regent on several occasions.
A CNN report placed Harald V as Europe’s oldest monarch at the time of his death on August 28, 2026. During more than three decades on the throne since 1991, he competed in sailing at three Olympic Games and won world and European championships in the sport. The Royal House of Norway noted that he served 20 years as president of the Norwegian chapter of the World Wildlife Fund and visited nearly all municipalities in the country.[[1]](https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/28/europe/king-of-norway-harald-v-oldest-monarch-dead-intl)
Historical records trace Norway’s monarchy to the ninth century and King Harald Fairhair. The modern institution was restored after independence from Sweden in 1905 when a plebiscite saw three-quarters of voters back its continuation. Today the role is largely symbolic with power held by an elected parliament, though the family continues to represent the nation abroad, according to multiple accounts.[[2]](https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/28/europe/king-norway-harald-v-monarchy-future-intl)
Haakon, born two years after his sister Princess Märtha Louise, became heir when his grandfather King Olav died in 1991, Reuters reported. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s in development studies from the London School of Economics while also graduating from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy. An enthusiastic surfer, skier and music fan, he completed a diplomatic trainee program with Norway’s foreign ministry.[[3]](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/haakon-reluctant-prince-who-became-norways-new-king-2026-08-28/)
The new king’s 2001 marriage to Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, a single mother at the time, initially drew public debate over her past, the primary source noted. Recent years have seen further attention on her reported past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein and the rape conviction of her son Marius Borg Høiby, who received a four-year prison sentence in June. A February poll by Norwegian broadcaster NRK placed support for the monarchy at 60 percent, its lowest level in years.[[4]](https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/08/28/norways-new-monarch-king-haakon-viii-his-life-role-and-challenges-ahead)
Nearly 80 percent of Norwegians in a March survey by Nettavisen expressed confidence that Haakon would perform well as king. Parliament is scheduled to hear his oath of allegiance on Tuesday after a national mourning period declared following the death. The Royal House of Norway confirmed that no coronation will take place, in line with a practice ended in 1908.
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