People, Positions and Obituaries · 31 August 2026

Haakon Became King Haakon VIII of Norway

Exam-focused facts from the 31 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Crown Prince Haakon became King Haakon VIII of Norway after the death of his father, King Harald V.
  • King Harald V died at Oslo University Hospital on Friday at the age of 89.
  • Haakon is the fourth king of Norway since the country gained independence from Sweden in 1905.
  • Harald V had been Norway's monarch since 1991 and ruled for 35 years.
  • Haakon's wife is Queen Mette-Marit, and his eldest child is Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
  • Haakon adopted the motto 'All for Norway,' which dates back to his great-grandfather.

View this story in the full daily briefing

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