Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII, will address the nation for the first time tonight following the death of his father, King Harald. The speech, dedicated to the memory of the late king, is seen as the start of the official transition of power to the new monarch.

Operativ Media reports, citing foreign media, that more than 20,000 people have gathered outside the Royal Palace over the past 24 hours to pay their respects to the late monarch. King Haakon VIII will take his oath of office at the Storting (parliament) on Tuesday, following meetings with the heads of the church, parliament, and the Supreme Court. No coronation ceremony will take place, as the practice was abolished in 1908.

The dates for the lying-in-state at the Royal Palace and the funeral have not yet been announced. National mourning has been declared in the country until the day of the funeral.