Is the Norwegian monarchy in danger? The new king faces severe scandals

King Haakon VIII was crowned today (Friday) following the death of his father, Harald V. The new 53-year-old monarch faces a complex task of stabilizing the Scandinavian monarchy and restoring the popularity of the royal family, which has suffered a severe blow in recent years.

The main challenges include the ties of his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the conviction of her son from a previous marriage for rape. In addition, the king's sister, Princess Märtha Louise, has sparked controversy with her claims of communicating with angels and her marriage to an American shaman.

Mette-Marit has previously apologized publicly for her ties to Epstein and admitted that her judgment was flawed. In a television interview, she described a meeting with him in 2013 as an experience where she felt used and unsafe. Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted in June of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.

Haakon, who was the Crown Prince, has filled in for his father as regent many times in recent years, as his father suffered from health problems. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in development studies, and is also a graduate of the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy.

Public support for the Norwegian monarchy has been in steady decline. A survey published in 2022 showed that only 68% of Norwegians support the continuation of the monarchy, a significant drop from the 81% recorded in 2017. The new king will have to work vigorously to strengthen public trust in the royal house and restore its standing.