King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered his first speech to the nation since becoming sovereign on 29 August. The 53-year-old paid tribute to his late father, Harald V, whom he said represented Norway with "pride and joy".
Haakon delivered the televised address from the Hall of Mirrors in Norway's royal palace in Oslo, beside a photo of the late monarch and a bowl of white roses. In a picture sitting on a cabinet behind him, a young Marius Borg Høiby was seen resting his head on his stepfather's shoulder as they posed for a family portrait with his mother, Queen Mette-Marit, and half-siblings, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesThe now-disgraced Marius, who became King Haakon's stepson after his mother, Mette-Marit, married into the royal family in 2001, was convicted of rape during a high-profile trial that concluded earlier this year.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesMarius Borg Høiby's court trial
In June 2026, Marius, 29, was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.
Marius, who joined the court session via video link, had pleaded not guilty to the most severe accusations, including those of rape.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesHaakon, who was pictured visiting Marius in custody with Mette-Marit before the sentencing, previously told NRK: "It has been challenging and difficult for everyone."
"For our part, we will continue to carry out our duties. Everyone involved in the case has found it challenging and difficult."
Speaking to reporters ahead of the trial, Haakon addressed the victims and their families.
© NTB/AFP via Getty Images"We love him, of course, he's an important part of our family," he said of his stepson, before addressing the women directly. "We care about them," Haakon said. "We know many of you are going through a difficult time right now."
King Haakon's first speech as monarch
King Haakon paid an emotional tribute to his late father in his first speech to the nation on 29 August.
King Harald V, Europe's longest reigning monarch, passed away aged 89 on Friday.
The new monarch thanked Harald for being "such a good dad," and praised him for always staying "true to your values and commitments".
"He constantly reminded us in the family that each of us must do things in our own way. Find our own style. Be ourselves," he said.
Haakon also said it had been a "powerful and moving experience" to see the thousands of Norwegians who had gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo with "flowers, tributes and candles."
