COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Norway has welcomed a new monarch as Crown Prince Haakon ascends to the throne as King Haakon VIII. His ascension comes with the responsibility of stabilizing the monarchy and improving the royal family’s image in light of past controversies.
Succession and Motto
Following the passing of King Harald V at age 89, Haakon became king, adopting the motto “All for Norway.” This motto belongs to his great-grandfather and signifies a continuation of family tradition. Queen Mette-Marit stands alongside him, and their oldest child, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is next in line for the throne.
Background and Experience
King Haakon is no stranger to royal duties. He has frequently acted as regent due to his father’s declining health. Norway’s royal lineage dates back to the 9th century. Modern Norway restored its monarchy in 1905 after gaining independence from Sweden, with significant public support.
King Haakon is the younger child of the late Harald V. He became heir when his grandfather, King Olav, passed away in 1991, despite having an elder sister due to male-preference succession laws, which changed in 1990 but were not retroactively applied.
Personal Life and Education
Educated in political science at the University of California, Berkeley, and obtaining a master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics, Haakon also trained at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy. With a personal interest in surfing and music, he connects with the public differently.
Royal Marriage
Haakon married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby in 2001 in a relationship initially fraught with public debate. Despite her challenging background and associations, Mette-Marit’s acceptance into the royal family brought fresh public appeal. They have two children, and Haakon is stepfather to Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, who has no royal title.
Challenges Ahead
The royal family’s image faced challenges recently. In June, Marius Borg Høiby was sentenced to prison for rape and assault, exacerbating scrutiny alongside Mette-Marit’s past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Mette-Marit expressed regret over the Epstein association, emphasizing she was misled and felt unsafe during their encounters.
Moreover, Queen Mette-Marit’s health has been a concern. Diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, she underwent a lung transplant, impacting her public duties.
Public Support and Future
King Haakon’s role includes securing public support, crucial after declining popularity illustrated by polls in 2022, showing reduced support for the monarchy compared to 2017. Additionally, ongoing controversies involving his sister, Märtha Louise, also affect the family’s reputation. Maintaining public trust will be a pivotal task for King Haakon.