The regnal name of Norway's new king, who succeeded on 28 August 2026 on the death of his father, King Harald V. The former Crown Prince Haakon became King Haakon VIII, and the name entered the online record the same day. The record files the succession and the mourning for Harald, without comment.
The record notes that Harald V died on 28 August 2026 and that his son succeeded him as Haakon VIII. Norwegian feeds carried tributes to the late king first and the new name second; international feeds tended to reverse the order.
Seen on 28 August 2026 in Norwegian-language posts within the hour, and in English shortly after. Most of what circulated was archival: photographs of Harald over his reign, reposted with dates. The record keeps them as they were shared.
What does it mean? Write it the way you would say it out loud.
