Hours after the death of Norway’s monarch, King Harald V made headlines; the Cabinet meeting took place regarding the succession of throne. In what was a historic first, not only did King Harald’s son, the new monarch King Haakon VIII address the Cabinet in the Royal Palace, Oslo, but he was accompanied by the Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who has been officially declared as the next in line to the throne. This is a major event in the history of Norway since succession was always reserved for the men. In fact, King Haakon’s elder sister was ineligible to succession. However, with the change in succession law in the 1990s, it is now mandatory that inheritance will go to the first-born, irrespective of gender, making the Princess the first woman in line in 600 years.
When the monarch passes away major changes need to be made and thus, holding a Cabinet meeting becomes necessary even in the midst of mourning. That is why the King and Crowned Princess addressed the Cabinet members. The now King declared his throne name along with outlining the way ahead. The Princess wore a black formal suit in adherence to the mourning period and appeared solemn.
After unofficially assuming the throne, King Haakon VIII will now have to take the formal oath before the Storting or Norway’s Parliament. Moreover, with Princess Ingrid becoming the next in line she will also have to submit a written oath before the Parliament. In fact, since she is already an adult, she can step in immediately and proceed with Royal duties just like her father.
Who are the new King and Crowned Princess of Norway?
The 53 year old monarch Haakon Magnus assumed official duties without a waiting period upon the death King Harald. However, having acted as regent during his father’s illness, he is not new to the ideals of monarchy. A graduate from the University of California, Berkeley and London School of Economics, he is well known for his love of sailing and music. Haakon has been a name adopted by many monarchs in the past. In fact when Norway gained independence it was King Haakon VII on the throne, making the name a tribute to the traditional monarchy.
Crowned Princess Ingrid (22) on the other hand is the eldest child of King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit. She has a younger brother Prince Sverre Magnus (20). She was studying in the University of Sydney till 2025 when she took a transfer near home due to her mother’s prolonged illness.
What does her ascent to the throne mean?
In future, when Princess Ingrid takes over the throne, it would mark a new era for the Norwegian monarchy. Not only is she the first woman to rule in 600 years after Queen Margaret I in the late 1300s to 1412, she would also be the first of the new monarchs to have ascended the throne before her younger brother. In fact, several monarchies around the world have females as the first-born and the new law of succession levied in Norway paves the way for females to take control of inheritance and monarchy.
For more updates, join/follow our WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube channels.