The new king of Norway, Haakon VIII, took the oath in parliament, NRK television reports. "I pledge and swear to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws.

We confirm with the Queen that we are ready to fulfill our duty to the country and the people," the new Norwegian monarch stated in his oath. After the new king, the speaker of parliament, Masud Gharahkhani, delivered remarks and declared a minute of silence in memory of the late King Harald V.

Gharahkhani said that they have great expectations from the new monarch. "The king has exceptional abilities to justify these expectations," he added. During the ceremony, participants sang the Norwegian anthem. Haakon VIII, 53, became the new king of Norway after the death of his father, Harald V, who had held the throne since 1991.