King Haakon has formally ushered in a new era for Norway after taking the constitutional oath following the death of his father, King Harald. The new monarch swore to govern the Kingdom of Norway "in accordance with its constitution and laws" during a historic ceremony at the Storting in Oslo. The King took the oath at 12.06pm local time, reading from a book while seated on a golden throne.

Standing beside him was his 22-year-old daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, in a moment that offered a striking glimpse of both the present and future of the Norwegian monarchy. Ingrid Alexandra signed her own constitutional oath at the Royal Palace later that afternoon, enabling her to act as Regent in her father's absence.

The King later spoke of the responsibility now facing him, saying that he and Queen Mette-Marit were ready to serve Norway. The ceremony followed his arrival at the Royal Palace, with King Haakon travelling in an open 1966 Lincoln Continental alongside members of the royal family.

Following Haakon's oath, the President of the Storting delivered a memorial speech in honour of the late King Harald. A minute's silence was observed before the royal anthem concluded the historic proceedings in Oslo.