Key facts
- King Harald V of Norway died at age 89, concluding a 35-year reign.
- Crown Prince Haakon has ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII.
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now the heir to the Norwegian throne.
- Mette-Marit, the new Queen, is facing renewed scrutiny over past connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently convicted of rape and domestic violence.
King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, concluding a 35-year reign and ushering in a new era for the Norwegian monarchy. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has officially ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII, with his eldest daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, now the heir apparent.
The transition, however, is shadowed by controversy surrounding Queen Mette-Marit, King Haakon VIII's wife. Private emails exchanged between Mette-Marit and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which continued after his conviction, were released in January 2026, reigniting media scrutiny. Mette-Marit has since apologized for her association with Epstein, describing herself as manipulated and deceived.
This scrutiny has impacted public perception, with a February 2026 poll indicating a drop in support for the monarchy and a significant portion of respondents believing Mette-Marit should not become queen. The situation is further complicated by the recent conviction of Mette-Marit's first son, Marius Borg Høiby, for rape and domestic violence in June, for which he received a four-year prison sentence. Mette-Marit has also been dealing with personal health challenges, including chronic pulmonary fibrosis, and recently underwent a lung transplant.
Historians note that Mette-Marit, a commoner and single mother when she met Crown Prince Haakon in 1999, initially struggled with the public's perception and the demands of royal life. Despite these challenges, she has worked to adapt to her role, focusing on literature and global health issues, including women's empowerment and reproductive health.