King Haakon VIII and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra have continued to step forward together during an emotional period for Norway’s royal family.
On Friday, September 4, the new King and his 22-year-old daughter received a series of condolence audiences at the Royal Palace in Oslo following the death of King Harald V. The late monarch passed away on August 28 at the age of 89.
Dressed entirely in black, Haakon and Ingrid Alexandra stood side by side as they welcomed representatives from the Sámi Parliament. The delegation brought a striking display of color to the solemn Palace setting in traditional Sámi dress, known as gákti.
Representatives of the Indigenous parliament had come to express their condolences following King Harald’s passing. During his reign, the late monarch worked to strengthen the relationship between the Norwegian Crown and the Sámi people.
© Det kongelige hoffKing Harald delivered a landmark speech to the Sámi Parliament in 1997 in which he apologized for the injustices committed against Norway’s
Indigenous community through the country’s former assimilation policies. His words became an important part of his legacy as a monarch who sought to represent every section of Norwegian society.
© Det kongelige hoffThe Sámi Parliament delegation was one of three groups received by the King and Crown Princess that day. The pair also met with Norway’s chief of defense and representatives from the Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities, according to the Norwegian Royal House’s official schedule.
Earlier in the morning, Ingrid Alexandra joined her father for a meeting of the Council of State at the Royal Palace. Her participation reflects the responsibilities she can now undertake following her father’s accession.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesA new generation steps forward:
The Palace engagements offered another glimpse of the new royal structure that has rapidly taken shape since King Harald’s death. Haakon immediately succeeded his father as King, while Ingrid Alexandra became Crown Princess and first in line to the Norwegian throne.
The young royal can now attend meetings of the Council of State alongside her father and serve as regent if the King is ill or traveling outside the country.
© Getty ImagesAlthough she had previously completed a number of engagements, including military service and appearances during state visits, her latest duties carry new constitutional significance. The Palace appearance showed Ingrid Alexandra supporting her father while simultaneously beginning to establish her own position as Norway’s future monarch.
The audiences took place during the Royal House’s official period of mourning, which will continue until October 9. King Harald’s state funeral is scheduled to take place at Oslo Cathedral on September 9.
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