On Friday, August 28, Crown Prince Haakon became Norway's king following the death of his father, King Harald V. As the only son of the late monarch, Haakon VIII automatically succeeded to the throne, becoming the fourth king of the modern era. He is scheduled to swear an oath before the government later in the day.
The role of the monarch in Norway is largely ceremonial and symbolic. King Haakon VIII, who is as comfortable in a duffel coat as he is in ceremonial dress, represents a monarchy long praised for its modesty and modernity. However, the institution is currently beset by scandal and woe.
Norway's monarchy dates back to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. When the country regained independence in 1905, three-quarters of voters backed restoring the monarchy in a national referendum. The new king now faces the immediate task of strengthening support for the monarchy.