Crown Prince Haakon Begins Reign with Message of Family Unity and Resolve

Crown Prince Haakon assumes his new role at a difficult time, as the Norwegian royal family confronts health crises and public scandals this year.

Crown Princess Mette‑Marit faced intense scrutiny after it emerged she had a three‑year friendship with the late convicted sex‑offender Jeffrey Epstein, for which she issued a public apology.

She later underwent a lung transplant after battling pulmonary fibrosis since 2018. Medical professionals indicate she will not be declared stable until next year, forcing her husband to balance his new sovereign responsibilities with her ongoing care.

Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted in June of rape and related offences, receiving a four‑year prison sentence. He has filed an appeal.

Although not a member of the royal family, Høiby was raised alongside them from age four after Haakon married his mother.

Crown Princess Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, has also attracted controversy for marrying an American self‑styled shaman in 2024; their joint business ventures eventually prompted her to curtail royal duties.

In his speech, Haakon avoided direct mention of the controversies, stating, “Our family has experienced the importance of standing together to remain steadfast within ourselves and for one another even during difficult times.”

He added that he, together with Mette‑Marit and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, would “always strive to understand the life situations of different people.”

He continued, “No one who lives in this country knows what we will face together, but what we do know is that we will stand by one another through both good days and difficult ones.”

Although King Harald remained popular until his recent death, an Aftenposten poll this year indicated a decline in public support for the monarchy, dropping from 72% in 2024 to 54%.

Nonetheless, Norwegian royal experts told the BBC that the new monarch, despite facing questions about the turbulence surrounding his family, is widely regarded as respectful, diligent, and capable of moving forward amid the challenges.

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