• Norway mourns the death of King Harald V, who ruled for 35 years, as King Haakon VIII ascends the throne.
• A national period of mourning has been declared following King Harald's passing at the age of 89.
• New King Haakon VIII promises to honor his father’s legacy by prioritizing unity and inclusivity.
• The royal family faces scrutiny due to recent scandals but looks to continue its commitment to Norway.
• Thousands of Norwegians have gathered to pay their respects outside the royal palace.

Norway is undergoing a significant transition as it mourns the passing of King Harald V, who died on Friday at age 89. His son, Haakon, has now become King Haakon VIII. A national period of mourning has begun, with flags at half-mast throughout the kingdom. Thousands of citizens are gathering outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects, honoring a king who was considered a unifying figure during his 35-year reign, known for embracing inclusivity and reform, according to Al Jazeera and SCMP.

King Haakon paid an emotional tribute to his father during his first speech as monarch, thanking him for being a "good dad" and expressing his commitment to listening to the Norwegian people. He emphasized the importance of national unity, stating, "We believe in a society built on law and justice, where everyone is of equal value," a sentiment that echoes the values instilled by his father, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

The late King Harald had been hospitalized with haemolytic anaemia since August 17, and his death marks a significant moment in Norwegian history. King Haakon, who is expected to take an oath of allegiance in parliament soon, leads during a period marked by challenges, including recent controversies related to members of the royal family, particularly concerning his wife’s past associations and his stepson's legal troubles, as noted by SCMP and BBC.

Many Norwegians have commented on the profound impact King Harald had on their lives, with tributes describing him as "a king of the people" who offered warmth and humor throughout his reign. The emotional outpouring has been palpable as people gather to remember his legacy, highlighted by an impressive turnout at the royal palace for memorial services, as reported by Al Jazeera and SCMP.