The norwegian monarchy is navigating a period of intense public scrutiny and internal challenge, marked by serious legal allegations against a member of the royal household, the declining health of its long-reigning king, and a notable drop in public support. While the royal family continues its official duties and celebrates personal milestones, recent events have sparked a national conversation about the institution's future.
The most severe challenge comes from the formal charges filed against Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. According to Oslo police, Høiby faces 32 offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and bodily harm, involving a "double-digit" number of alleged victims. While Høiby has reportedly cooperated with investigators and denies most allegations, the royal family has stated that the legal process must run its course and has refrained from further comment.
Concurrently, the health of King Harald V, Europe's oldest monarch at 88, has prompted a shift in royal responsibilities. Following a hospitalization for an infection in early 2024 and the subsequent fitting of a permanent pacemaker, the royal household announced in April that the king would permanently scale back his official duties. This has led his son and heir, Crown Prince Haakon, to assume a more prominent ceremonial role, signaling a gradual transition of power.
These developments appear to be influencing public sentiment. A September 2024 survey indicated a decline in support for the monarchy, with 35% of respondents now favoring a presidency, a significant increase from previous years. The poll also found that 40% of Norwegians disagreed with the statement that Crown Prince Haakon should be the nation's last king, a figure that reflects growing ambivalence.
Amid the controversies, other royal events have proceeded. Princess Märtha Louise married american spiritual guru Durek Verrett in a high-profile ceremony in August. The wedding, however, drew criticism for its commercial aspects, including exclusive media deals and the promotion of a branded gin, renewing scrutiny over the princess's use of her royal status for commercial ventures.
Despite the turbulence, the royal family continues its work. Crown Princess Mette-Marit is set to resume her full duties after a challenging year and a summer break. Crown Prince Haakon recently visited Svalbard to mark the 100th anniversary of the archipelago joining the kingdom. Meanwhile, the next generation is preparing for the future, with Princess Ingrid Alexandra, second in line to the throne, beginning her social sciences studies at the University of Sydney in Australia. As the monarchy faces one of its most trying periods, it continues to balance pressing challenges at home with its ongoing duties on the national and international stage.