King Haakon opens first Storting of his reign

King Haakon VIII of Norway has opened the first Storting of his reign.

King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra were driven in a motorcade from the Royal Palace to the Storting, accompanied by a motorcycle escort from the Armed Forces.

Photo: Liv Anette Luane, The Royal Court

Photo: Morten Brakestad/Stortinget

King Haakon succeeded his father, King Harald V, in August. He has stood in once for his father as Crown Prince, but this is the first time he opened parliament as King. Today is also exactly 35 years since King Harald opened his first parliament.

Photo: Peter Mydske/Stortinget

Earlier today, it was announced that Queen Mette-Marit had a chest infection and would not be attending the Opening of Parliament. However, King Haakon was still joined by his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.

In his speech, he laid out the government’s plans and said, “Norway should be a safe country with opportunities for everyone. Our country is supported by a vibrant democratic government, high trust, small differences, strong local communities and a long tradition of finding solutions together.”

He added, “The government has a clear goal: People should be better advised. Taxes on ordinary income have been cut, and wages have risen more than prices in recent years. The government will therefore use oil money responsibly and pursue an economic policy that does not push up prices and interest rates.”

Photo: Morten Brakestad/Stortinget

The Speech from the Throne is written by the government.