See photos from the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. May be used with accreditation.

When a new King accedes to the throne, he must take an Oath of Allegiance to the Norwegian Constitution in the Storting. This is laid down in Article 9 of the Constitution.

During the ceremony on 1^st September, President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani read the official announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister of King Harald V’s death and the succession to the throne of a new King.

King Haakon’s Oath of Allegiance and pledge before the Storting

King Haakon VIII took the Oath of Allegiance before the Storting, and then gave a short address.

Memorial Speech for His Majesty King Harald V

In his memorial speech, President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani paid tribute to King Harald V as a much loved and unifying monarch; one who served Norway dutifully, with great courage, warmth and a close bond to the people for 35 years.

“He was an unwavering defender of the Constitution and of our democracy. For the Norwegian people, he was a symbol of security, continuity and fellowship,” said the President.

King Harald was described as a King who combined a strong sense of duty with a closeness to his people. He achieved the difficult task of always putting both his country and his people first.

Read the President of the Storting’s memorial speech

The President’s speech was followed by a minute’s silence.

Address to the New King

“The Storting wishes to welcome His Majesty King Haakon VIII and Her Majesty Queen Mette-Marit as they take on their new and solemn duties,” said Mr Gharahkhani in his address to the new King.

In his speech, the President said that the King’s Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution affirms the Royal Family’s commitments to democracy and the rule of law. He added that the new King is exceptionally well-equipped to meet these expectations.

“The choices Your Majesty has made as Crown Prince bear testament to a monarch who is prepared to shape and fill the role in keeping with the times. Together with Queen Mette-Marit, and always close to the people,” said the President of the Storting.

Mr Gharahkhani reminded those present that we live in a more turbulent world than for a long time.

“Democratic values are under attack. We are confident that today we meet a regent who stands for continuity, but who also understands the society we live in. A King who clearly expresses the wish to preserve the Norwegian spirit of fellowship and to do his utmost for Norway,” said Mr Gharahkhani.

Read the President of the Storting’s speech to the new King

The Oath of Allegiance ceremony was concluded with the Royal Anthem.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra accompanied His Majesty King Haakon. Queen Sonja and Prince Sverre Magnus also attended the ceremony in the Storting Chamber.

Oaths of Allegiance since 1905

King Haakon VII swore his Oath in the Storting in person on 27th November 1905. When Olav V succeeded his father in 1957, he swore his Oath in the Council of State, but repeated it at the State Opening of the Storting in January 1958. Following the death of King Olav V in 1991, King Harald V swore his Oath before the Storting four days later, on 21 January.

Read about historic oath-taking ceremonies in the Storting