The recent death of King Harald V has heightened attention on his daughter-in-law’s past connections to Jeffrey Epstein. As Norway mourns, King Harald’s son, Crown Prince Haakon, has become King Haakon VIII, and his wife, Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, assumes the role of queen consort.
Public Scrutiny and Controversy
Mette-Marit faces considerable public scrutiny due to her past correspondence with Epstein. These emails, exchanged from 2011 to 2014, have dominated media discussions since January. Additionally, her reputation suffered when her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape in June, resulting in a four-year prison sentence.
The new queen has publicly apologized multiple times. Despite her apologies, support for the monarchy has declined by approximately 10 percentage points in the past year. A poll in February showed 44 percent of Norwegians opposing her becoming queen. Importantly, she has never been formally accused of any crime.
King Harald’s Health and Death
It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away.
The Royal House announced King Harald’s death at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet. He died at 89, following treatment for haemolytic anaemia and a worsening bacterial infection. Harald experienced health issues over the years, including crutches, a pacemaker, and various surgeries.
Even during his illnesses, Harald never intended to abdicate, stating that his oath to the Storting was for life. His resolve remained, even after Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II abdicated in January 2024.
About King Haakon VIII
Haakon VIII, aged 53, was born in Oslo and named after his great-grandfather, Haakon VII. Unlike his predecessors, he studied at the University of California, Berkeley. He also pursued a master’s degree at the London School of Economics.
Haakon’s marriage to Mette-Marit in 2001 faced public opposition. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now crown princess under Norway’s rule of absolute primogeniture. Their son, Prince Sverre Magnus, was born in 2005.
Mette-Marit’s Ties to Epstein
The connection between Mette-Marit and Epstein emerged publicly in December 2019. She expressed regret over her association with Epstein, stating she should have better investigated his past. The palace indicated the contact ended in 2013, which was later contradicted by released documents.
The documents, revealing correspondence until 2014, portrayed a more involved interaction. She has since apologized multiple times, describing herself as manipulated and deceived.
Future of the Norwegian Monarchy
Norway is currently observing a period of national mourning. King Haakon will inform the Cabinet of his father’s death, followed by a constitutional oath. Although the country abolished coronations long ago, Harald’s funeral will take place at Oslo Cathedral.
The monarchy faces declining support. A proposal to establish a republic was rejected by Storting earlier this year, but public support for the monarchy has decreased. As of May, a survey indicated a slight recovery in backing for the monarchy.
Haakon supports his wife amidst the scrutiny. In a televised interview, he reaffirmed their commitment during challenging times.