Origin: Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra named heir apparent

At a Cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace in Oslo, King Haakon VIII addressed the Cabinet with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra at his side. She was officially declared next in line to the throne. She wore a black suit in mourning.

At the session the King announced his throne name and outlined the way ahead. As an adult, Ingrid Alexandra can begin royal duties immediately. She will submit a written oath to Parliament.

The declaration follows Norway’s 1990s change to succession rules that give the crown to the firstborn regardless of gender. It makes her the first woman in the direct line in about 600 years. Under the old rules, only men could inherit and the King’s elder sister was not eligible.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources