Haakon VIII takes Norway's throne after King Harald dies at 89
What's new: The 53-year-old adopted the motto “All for Norway,” and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra became heir apparent.
Haakon VIII became king of Norway on Friday after King Harald V died at 89, opening a royal transition in the Scandinavian country after a long reign. The new monarch, 53, met ministers at an extraordinary council of state and took the royal motto “All for Norway.” His wife became Queen Mette-Marit, and their oldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, became crown princess and heir apparent. Harald died peacefully in hospital at 06:35 local time after treatment for a rare blood condition. Norway began a period of national mourning, with flags at half-staff and tributes gathering outside the royal palace in Oslo. Haakon has previously served as regent as Harald's health declined.