Photo: NTB / The Royal Court
King Haakon opens the Storting for the first time as King
King Haakon performed the formal opening of the 171st Storting, accompanied by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. He read the speech from the throne on behalf of the government, five weeks after coming to the throne.
King Haakon performed the formal opening of the 171st Storting on Friday. It was the first time he had done so as King, five weeks after he came to the throne. Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra accompanied him.
King Haakon by the throne in the chamber of the Storting.
Queen Mette-Marit had been due to attend, but had to withdraw because of a respiratory infection.
• Greeted with «God dag, Herre Konge»
Cadets from the Norwegian Military Academy greeted the King with «God dag, Herre Konge», good day, Sire, before he left. It is an old tradition that the academy, as one of the King's two guard units, lines up inside the Royal Palace when the Storting is opened.
Arriving at the parliament building.
The procession into the chamber.
• Read the speech from the throne
The King read the speech from the throne on behalf of the government. The speech sets out the government's programme for the coming period, and is written by the government, not by the King.
The King reads the speech from the throne. The Crown Princess stands beside it.
«Norway shall be a safe country with opportunities for all», the speech opened. It pointed to democracy, high levels of trust, small differences and strong local communities.
Among the plans presented were better personal finances at a time of high costs, and arranging for 130,000 new homes by 2030. On health, the speech noted that 59,000 fewer people are waiting for treatment than in 2021, and that patients should normally receive treatment, or have started it, within 60 days.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra at her first State Opening with her father as King.
• Court mourning continues
Court mourning after King Harald lasts until and including 9 October. During this period the Royal House carries out constitutional duties only, and the opening of the Storting is one of them.
Photographs in this article: Ole Berg-Rusten, Terje Bendiksby and Jonas Been-Henriksen, all NTB, and the Royal Court.