Norway Swears in King Haakon VIII as Two Queens Reign and Ingrid Alexandra Steps Forward
King Haakon VIII was sworn in before the Storting four days after Harald V’s death, in a ceremony notable for Norway’s first instance of two queens reigning simultaneously—Queen Sonja and Queen Mette-Marit—with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra watching from the throne, signaling her ascent as heir. Ingrid signed the royal register and could attend cabinet meetings or act as regent in her father’s absence; Haakon pledged to uphold the constitution and the motto “All for Norway.” Mette-Marit was absent for health reasons tied to a recent lung transplant, while mourners paid respects to Harald V afterward. Security for the event was extensive, and Ingrid wore mourning regalia for the occasion.