Norway’s New King breaks silence after father’s death

Norway's new King Haakon VIII addressed the nation for the first time since his father died on Friday. It was a heartfelt speech where he described the late King Harald as a warm family man who stood shoulder to shoulder with his people. He gave examples of his father apologising to the indigenous Sami people for past wrongs committed against them and how King Harald wept with the country following a deadly domestic terror attack. You were a person who remained committed to your values and dedicated to your duties. You supported and looked out for all of us. It makes me proud to think about everything you stood for and stood up for. King Haakon acknowledged he had a big task ahead but said he would give his all for Norway. It means, as an ultimate consequence, being willing to risk everything, including our lives, to safeguard Norway's freedom and independence. People gathered outside the palace tuning in to the speech. Norway's new monarch said he was deeply moved by them showing up with candles, messages and flowers. Yeah, it was a really, really good speech and I think it was like in the spirit of his father. For my whole generation, Harald was synonymous with what a king is, so of course it will be different. There are obviously different people, persons, but I think the main values that his father had he will carry on and his speech reflected on that. King Haakon will then swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday.