Norway is experiencing a profound contrast of emotions as the country mourns the monarch who reigned for 35 years while witnessing the beginning of his successor’s long-awaited reign.
Although Haakon VIII automatically became King following the death of his father, Harald V, he took a decisive step in the formal opening of his reign on Tuesday by swearing the constitutional oath before the Norwegian Parliament, known as the Storting.
© JAVAD PARSAHowever, the historic occasion was overshadowed by the notable absence of Queen Mette-Marit. Shortly after the ceremony, the newly proclaimed King was seen arriving at Oslo University Hospital, the same medical center where his father died just four days earlier, prompting fresh concern about his wife’s health.
Earlier in the day, the Norwegian Royal Court released an unexpected statement confirming that Queen Mette-Marit would not attend her husband’s oath-taking ceremony, despite her presence having been included in the official schedule.
© TERJE BENDIKSBYThe Palace explained that her absence was due to complications following the lung transplant she underwent in June. It added that such complications can occur during the recovery process after a major procedure and that the Queen would need to remain under medical observation throughout the day.
Norwegian outlet VG later reported that King Haakon had accompanied his wife to Oslo University Hospital in his car. The Palace declined to provide further details about the visit, but did not dispute the report.
© LISE ASERUD“Complications following a lung transplant are common. The Queen has experienced difficulties on several occasions since the operation, including today,” the Royal Court said in its statement. “As a result, she will remain under observation throughout the day. For this reason, the Queen will unfortunately be unable to participate in today’s oath-taking ceremony in Parliament.”
King Haakon attended the ceremony with his daughter and heir, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who watched as her father took the oath inside the Storting’s main chamber.
© Per Ole HagenThe developments come at an exceptionally difficult time for Norway’s new monarch. As the Royal Family manages concerns surrounding Queen Mette-Marit’s recovery, preparations are continuing for King Harald V’s funeral, which is scheduled to take place on September 9.
Queen Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The chronic condition eventually led her to undergo a lung transplant in June. Her recovery has prevented her from attending several significant moments surrounding King Harald’s death and her husband’s accession to the throne.
© LISE ASERUDThe Palace has not released any further information about her condition, leaving the country awaiting updates as the Royal Family navigates a period marked by grief, historic change and renewed concern for the Queen’s health.
