Norway Faces a New Era Amid Royal Controversies

The reign of King Harald V of Norway ended with his death at 89, focusing attention on his daughter-in-law, who now faces scrutiny as queen consort. King Harald passed away at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, marking the conclusion of a 35-year reign. Crown Prince Haakon ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII, with his wife, Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, becoming the new queen.

Controversies Surrounding the New Queen

Mette-Marit’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein have cast a shadow over her title. Her emails to Epstein between 2011 and 2014 were made public by the U.S. Department of Justice, capturing media attention in Norway. Additionally, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape in June, resulting in a four-year prison sentence.

The fallout from these events has affected the monarchy’s public approval. Despite Mette-Marit’s apologies, support for the Norwegian crown dipped by approximately 10 percentage points over the past year. A poll in February showed that 44 percent of Norwegians believe she should not assume the role of queen.

Health and Final Days of King Harald V

King Harald had suffered from several health issues for years, including a heart condition and bladder cancer surgeries. In February 2024, he required medical evacuation from Malaysia due to a low heart rate. His last hospital visit in Tenerife in February 2026 was for an infection and dehydration.

Despite health challenges, Harald never considered abdicating, expressing firm commitment to his lifelong oath. His passing marked the end of an era, as King Haakon VIII takes over a system experiencing public skepticism.

The New Monarch: Haakon VIII

King Haakon VIII is Norway’s fourth monarch since independence in 1905. An academic, he studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and the London School of Economics. He gained further experience at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy.

Marrying Mette-Marit in 2001 faced public resistance, but their family now includes two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Princess Ingrid becomes heir apparent at 22 under Norway’s absolute primogeniture rule.

The Queen’s Ties to Epstein

Mette-Marit’s association with Epstein emerged in late 2019 but gained significant attention with document releases this year. Her interactions included a stay at Epstein’s Florida mansion in 2013. Her correspondence with Epstein contained conversations that, in retrospect, she found embarrassing, prompting public apologies.

Mette-Marit stated she felt deceived, unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities despite ongoing communications. Calls for explanations followed, leading to an ongoing investigation in Norway looking into Epstein’s connections, including several prominent figures.

The Future of Norway’s Monarchy

The country entered a mourning phase after Harald’s death, signaling a shift under Haakon’s leadership. Although Norway abolished royal coronations in 1908, Haakon will be sworn in and his father’s funeral held with national respect.

The monarchy’s future is under discussion as public support wanes. A recent poll showed support for the monarchy at 61 percent, a drop from 72 percent the previous year, while endorsements for a republican system increased.

Despite these challenges, Haakon remains a staunch defender of his wife, highlighting their shared commitment regardless of present scrutiny.