Norwegian King Haakon VIII officially took the constitutional oath before Parliament on Tuesday. This followed the death on Friday of his 89 year old father, King Harald V.

Haakon automatically became monarch upon his father’s death. Traditional coronations have not been held in Norway since 1908. According to a Norstat survey, support for the monarchy in the country rose to 72% following these events.

Queen Mette Marit, 53, excused herself from the ceremony at the last minute for health reasons. Due to complications following a lung transplant in June, she had to remain under medical supervision.

The King was thus accompanied in Parliament by his children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and former Queen Sonja.

The coffin of the late King Harald V will lie in state in the palace chapel until 8 September. A state funeral attended by world leaders will take place on 9 September in Oslo.

(Reuters, max)