Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII, officially took office on Tuesday by swearing an oath of office in parliament. The ascension follows the death of his father, King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89 on Friday. Haakon, age 53, immediately became Norway’s head of state upon his father’s death, marking a new era for the constitutional monarchy. The solemn ceremony formalizes his role as king and acknowledges the transfer of power. News agencies have reported on the event, signaling the significance of the transition for the nation. The change in leadership closes the chapter on King Harald V’s long reign and ushers in King Haakon VIII’s.