Norway’s new King Haakon VIII formally swore an oath to uphold the country’s constitution and laws during a ceremony before Parliament in Oslo.

The ceremony marked the first major institutional step of his reign after his father, King Harald V, died at age 89.

Haakon automatically became king following his father’s death, as Norway does not hold traditional coronation ceremonies.

His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was unable to attend because she remains under medical observation following a lung transplant, the DW has reported.

The new king is expected to continue Norway’s constitutional monarchy tradition, with his role focused largely on representing national unity and democratic values.