Oslo: Following his father’s death, Haakon VIII officially ascends the throne of Norway. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has officially become King Haakon VIII, succeeding his father, King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Norwegian Royal Court in Oslo announced in an official statement the death of King Harald V at the National Hospital (Rikshospitalet) at 6:35 AM. King Harald V led Norway for over three decades, having ascended to the throne in 1991.

With King Harald V’s passing, the throne automatically passed to his only son, King Haakon VIII, as stipulated by the Norwegian constitution. At the age of 53, King Haakon VIII takes on the responsibilities after years of serving as regent and representing his father during periods of declining health.

In response to the transition, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St¸re declared a period of national mourning. He expressed admiration for the late king and conveyed the nation’s confidence in King Haakon VIII to uphold and advance stability and sustainability in Norway.

As per the rules of succession, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, daughter of King Haakon VIII, has become Crown Princess and is now first in line to the throne.