Norway's new king remembers 'my dear father' in first speech

In his first televised address to the nation since ascending the throne, King Haakon VIII of Norway paid an emotional tribute to his late father, King Harald V, who died in hospital on Friday at age 89 after treatment for a rare blood condition. Speaking from the royal palace in Oslo, Haakon thanked his father for being a good dad and a warm grandfather, and noted that Saturday would have been his parents' 58th wedding anniversary. He stressed national unity, saying the royal family believes in a society built on law and justice where everyone is of equal value. Haakon acknowledged the mourning of Norwegians who have laid flowers outside the palace and said the family is comforted by the shared grief. He also addressed, without directly referencing, recent family controversies, emphasizing the importance of standing together during difficult times. Haakon will swear an oath of allegiance in parliament on Tuesday and later participate in a consecration service with his wife, Queen Mette-Marit. The new king faces challenges including his wife's health issues and legal troubles involving her son, as well as declining public support for the monarchy.