King Haakon VIII has received a special message from his godfather upon taking on a key role.
Days after his father King Harald V’s death, Haakon officially assumed his role as Norway’s monarch on Tuesday, September 1, by pledging an oath of allegiance to the country’s Constitution.
"I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in according with its constitution and laws, so help me god, the almighty and omniscient," the 53-year-old said.
He also adopted the motto “All for Norway,” which dates back to his great-grandfather.
Shortly after taking the oath before Parliament, Haakon received a warm letter from his godfather, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who sent his heartfelt wishes to the new monarch upon undertaking the major role.
Taking to Instagram, the Swedish Royal Family posted an image of the letter, which stated, “On the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony in the Storting earlier today, H.M. The King sent a telegram to H.M. The King of Norway this afternoon.”
The message read, ““Your Majesty! It is with great sadness that my family and I have received the news of King Harald’s passing. A heavy blow has struck Norway.”
“Dear Haakon! Queen Sonja, You and the entire family have been in our thoughts since the news of his death. Today you have formally ascended the Norwegian throne and I would like to be one of the first to convey my warmest wishes for success to you and Queen Mette-Marit for the great task that now lies before you,” penned King Carl.
The 80-year-old Swedish monarch, who is the godfather of King Haakon VIII, added, “Dear godson! It is my hope that you feel great support from your godfather, from your Swedish family and from the entire Swedish people as you now assume your high office as King of Norway.”
King Harald V death
On Friday, August 28, the Royal Palace in Oslo announced a heartbreaking news, sharing that King Harald V passed away peacefully at 6:35 a.m. local time at the National Hospital in Oslo.
His son then-Prince Haakon, daughter-in-law then-Princess Mette-Marit and wife Queen Sonja besides other members of the Royal Family were said to be by Harald V's bedside after confirming that he was in an "extremely serious" condition.
