Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the death of Norway’s King Harald V, recalling a meeting earlier this year and praising his warmth and dedication to his nation. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, became King Haakon VIII following the monarch’s death on Friday. The transition marks a significant shift for the Scandinavian kingdom.
Haakon has adopted the motto “All for Norway,” a phrase dating back to his great-grandfather. The new ruler stepped in as regent during his father’s declining health in recent years, gaining experience in state affairs. The monarchy traces its roots to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century, and the institution was restored in 1905 after Norway gained independence from Sweden. Today, the role is largely ceremonial, with real power resting with an elected parliament. The royal family remains a significant cultural and economic asset, representing the wealthy nation abroad.
Haakon holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s in development studies from the London School of Economics. He graduated from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in 1995 and completed a trainee program for diplomats. The new king is an avid sportsman who enjoys surfing and skiing. In a past interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, he admitted that if he weren’t a royal, he would have been a surfer.
Haakon’s marriage to Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby faced skepticism due to her background as a single mother. She had connections to a youth culture in Oslo involving parties and drug use. Despite the scrutiny, Haakon won his father’s permission to marry her in 2000. The couple wed in August 2001 at Oslo Cathedral. Their blend of common touch and royal glamour helped maintain public approval. They have two children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
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Restoring public trust
The family’s reputation has faced significant challenges recently. In June, Haakon’s stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of rape and assault. The trial occurred amid renewed scrutiny of the royal family following disclosures about Mette-Marit’s past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. She has apologized for the association, stating she was manipulated and deceived by the deceased sex offender.
Public support for the monarchy has fluctuated over the years. A poll by Norway’s Dagbladet newspaper in late 2022 showed 68% of respondents supported keeping the institution, down from 81% in 2017. The latest challenges include scrutiny of Haakon’s sister, Märtha Louise. She has stepped back from official duties following her marriage to an American self-described shaman in 2024. As the new monarch, Haakon must work to stabilize the institution and bolster its popularity.
Haakon faces a difficult task ahead to ensure the continuity of the monarchy. His background in naval service and development studies provides a unique skillset. The new king must handle these internal and external pressures to maintain the family’s standing.
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