OSLO, Norway (AP) - King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered his inaugural speech as monarch, expressing grief and homage to his late father, King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89. In his address, held a day after his father's death, Haakon reflected on Harald's role as a loving father and a committed king, amid the national mourning.

"We are in mourning. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are mourning with us," said King Haakon, dressed in a black suit, as his remarks were broadcast live on public television. He ascended the throne immediately following Harald V's death on the morning of Friday, [insert date], solidifying his position as the new king.

King Haakon expressed gratitude for the compassion shown by the people and recounted memories of his father as a supportive parent and spouse. The royal palace in Oslo became a focal point for the nation's grief, with thousands of mourners paying their respects by placing flowers and condolence cards outside as King Harald's coffin was transported from the hospital on Friday evening.

In an effort to acknowledge the public's response, churches and city halls throughout Norway opened their doors, allowing citizens to light candles and share their thoughts in condolence books for the deceased king. “It has been a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people, flowers, messages of condolence, and candles. Thank you so much,” King Haakon stated during his address, seated next to a portrait of his father with two white candles lit beside him.

Haakon elaborated on King Harald's dedication to representing Norway with prestige and joy, emphasizing his active role in both domestic and international affairs. "As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy," he said. He also shared personal sentiments, stating, "I am going to miss him. I’ll miss his laughter. His good-natured way of dealing with people and situations." Echoing his commitment to his duties, Haakon vowed to prioritize serving the country and its citizens in his new role.

“And that means - in the ultimate sense - being willing to risk everything, even one’s life, for Norway’s freedom and independence,” he affirmed, adopting the motto “All for Norway," a phrase linked to his great-grandfather. His wife, Mette-Marit, now holds the title of Queen, while their eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, assumes the role of crown princess and heir to the throne.

On the day following his speech, King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra welcomed Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the presiding bishop of the Lutheran Church of Norway at the royal palace, where King Harald’s coffin lay in state. The Church of Norway organized memorial services across the country, with the royal family expected to attend a service at Asker Church, situated southwest of Oslo.

King Haakon, who has considerable experience with royal duties, had previously taken on regent responsibilities as his father's health declined in recent years. He now faces the challenge of reinforcing support for the monarchy amidst past controversies involving his wife, including her previous connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and her son’s rape conviction.

While a date for King Harald's funeral has yet to be announced, Norway is officially in a state of mourning. Some members of the public are opting to postpone celebrations such as weddings and baptisms until the mourning period concludes, as reported by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.

The roots of Norway's monarchy extend back to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. The monarchy was reinstated after Norway regained its independence from Sweden in 1905, with a significant majority of voters in a national plebiscite favoring the monarchy's restoration. Today, the royal family's role is primarily symbolic, as legislative power resides with an elected parliament; however, the royals continue to serve as national figures, helping to promote Norway's image globally.