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King Haakon VIII of Norway has addressed the nation for the first time since he ascended the throne, as the royals attended a memorial service for the late monarch.
King Harold V died on Friday, aged 89, ending a 35-year reign. Up until the time of his death, he stood as the longest-reigning monarch in Europe.
The Norwegian Palace confirmed the monarch's death at the time, stating: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today.
"King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 06:35."
Yesterday evening, King Haakon addressed the nation, where he lauded Harald for being "such a good dad".
"A brother and uncle who was so loved by so many," he said of his late father. "You were the head of the family, and brought us all together with a natural authority, which you may not have been aware of yourself."
The 53-year-old noted fond memories with Harald, including his father enjoying time on his sailboat, or swinging on a hammock in the Amazon.
He also congratulated his mother, Queen Sonja, on her 58th wedding anniversary to Harald - just the day after his death.
"The world is once again more unsafe and unpredictable than it has been during most of King Harald’s reign," he continued.
"Something that also affects us here in this country and has brought a new seriousness to us.
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Haakon said he has a "major task" ahead of him and insisted he will be "present and attentive" and will govern in his own way.
"We believe in our system of self-governance - and in democracy. We believe in a society built on the rule of law, where every individual has equal worth," he said.
Royals attended a memorial service for the late King Harald this morning, which was held across various locations in Norway.
The ceremony is separate from the state funeral, which will be conducted at a later point.
King Haakon, his two children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and his mother, Queen Sonja, attended today's events at Asker Church.
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and his wife Marit Slagsvold were also present at the event.
A period of national mourning has now begun, with Norwegians across the country given the opportunity to pay their respects as he lies in state in the palace chapel.
The Norwegian Palace posted photos on their Instagram account, with the caption: "His Majesty King Haakon, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Queen Sonja, and Prince Sverre Magnus attended the memorial service at Asker Church following the passing of King Harald.
"The service was open to the public, and many people gathered to pay tribute to King Harald. Today, the Church of Norway is holding memorial services in all the country's cathedrals and in many churches across the nation."
