Norway's monarchy regains public support as new king and queen assume the throne

After King Harald passed away, his son Haakon VIII ascended the throne alongside Queen Mette-Marit, inheriting a monarchy that has been under intense scrutiny. The queen's former association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the recent conviction of her son Marius Borg Høiby for rape and assault have drawn criticism. Additionally, Mette-Marit’s worsening lung fibrosis required a transplant, and Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, married the controversial figure Durek Verrett.

Earlier surveys had shown a sharp decline in confidence in the royal family, but fresh polling after the king’s funeral suggests a renewed willingness among Norwegians to retain the institution. The royal couple’s eldest daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, returned from Australia to support her mother during the health crisis and has become a popular public figure.