King Haakon VIII became Norway’s new monarch on August 28, 2026, following the death of his father, King Harald V. The 53-year-old former crown prince automatically inherited the throne under Norway’s constitutional rules, as Baltimore Chronicle notes.
The Norwegian Royal Court confirmed that Harald V died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on Friday. He was 89 and had recently been seriously ill. The Royal House of Norway announced his death the same morning.
Who Is King Haakon VIII?
Haakon Magnus was born on July 20, 1973, to Harald and Queen Sonja. He had been Norway’s heir for decades and repeatedly served as regent during his father’s illnesses.
Before becoming king, Haakon developed an extensive programme of public and international duties. His official biography also records studies in the United States and the United Kingdom. Reuters reports that he studied at UC Berkeley and the London School of Economics.
The immediate changes in the royal family are:
- Haakon is now King Haakon VIII.
- His wife, Mette-Marit, becomes Queen.
- Their daughter Ingrid Alexandra becomes Crown Princess and heir to the throne.
- Prince Sverre Magnus follows his sister in the line of succession.
Ingrid Alexandra, born in 2004, is now first in line to succeed her father. The Royal Court previously listed her directly behind Haakon in the succession.
What Happens After Haakon Becomes King?
Norway does not require a coronation for a new monarch to begin reigning. Succession takes effect when the previous sovereign dies.
The next major constitutional step is the oath before parliament.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Death of King Harald V | August 28, 2026 |
| Haakon becomes king | August 28, 2026 |
| Constitutional oath | September 1, 2026 |
| New heir | Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra |
The Storting says King Haakon VIII will take the Oath of Allegiance on September 1 at 1 p.m. He will pledge to govern Norway according to its Constitution and laws.
Why Is He Called Haakon VIII?
The name continues a long Norwegian royal tradition. The previous King Haakon, Haakon VII, became monarch in 1905 when Norway established its modern independent monarchy.
The new king therefore reigns as Haakon VIII. Norway’s parliament has already formally referred to him as “His Majesty King Haakon VIII.”
His accession opens a new chapter after Harald V’s 35-year reign. It also places Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra directly next in line to Norway’s throne.
Earlier we wrote that Maryland redistricting amendment blocked from November ballot as appeal looms