Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII, has taken his oath in the Storting in Oslo. The ceremony formally marked the transfer of royal duties, and he pledged to govern the kingdom in accordance with Norway’s constitution and laws.

Queen Mette-Marit was not present at the event. According to the information available, her absence was due to health complications following her recent lung transplant.

The oath in parliament is one of the clearest signs that the new monarch has officially assumed his role. Her absence also leaves open questions about how the royal couple’s public schedule will look in the coming weeks.