King Haakon has arrived at the Royal Palace in Oslo for the first time as monarch ahead of the Extraordinary Council of State that will formally declare the start of a new reign.
Haakon VIII, King of Norway was driven to the palace with huge crowds gathering to welcome him there.
A round of applause broke out as the newest monarch in Europe was driven slowly towards the palace gates.
The windows of his car were darkened but he was just visible through them.
King Haakon has had little or no sleep. He arrived at the Rikshosptalet yesterday evening to keep vigil with his father, King Harald V, whose health was failing. King Harald died at dawn on August 28 with his son succeeding him immediately.
The formal Council of State was held at 11.30am local time to officially announce the death of King Harald and proclaim Haakon VIII as king.
It means that Norway is never without a Head of State.
King Haakon VIII had been acting as regent in the last days of his father’s life and has had much experience in that role as Norway automatically appoints a regent when the monarch goes on holiday or is unwell.
The new heir to the throne is Haakon’s 22 year old daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
