The Norwegian Royal Family: Navigating Controversies and the Future of the Monarchy

It seems that the Norwegian royal family, particularly Princess Mette-Marit, is currently enduring an unending wave of controversies, scandals, and misfortunes that have left their reputation hanging by a thread. On February 3, 2026, the trial of Marius Borg Høiby—Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship—begins, marking one of the most significant crises to hit the Norwegian monarchy. Facing a staggering 38 charges that include rape and gender-based violence, Marius could be sentenced to as much as 16 years in prison if found guilty. Adding fuel to the fire, Marius was arrested just before the trial on charges of assault and making threats with a knife, which has further tarnished the royal family's standing among the public. Criticism has fallen heavily on Mette-Marit regarding her handling of this sensitive situation. Accusations have arisen that she might have alerted her son prior to his arrest and possibly interfered in the case by attempting to contact the victims. In a recent documentary aired by NRK, Mette-Marit was seen reacting to this criticism, expressing her struggles amid accusations aimed at her parenting. Meanwhile, her husband, Prince Haakon, is left to express empathy for the victims, something that highlights Mette-Marit’s preoccupation with the public perception of her role as a mother instead of showing concern for the alleged victims. The rain does not stop there: Mette-Marit has also found herself embroiled in the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. As fresh documents detailing Epstein’s connections were released by the US Department of Justice, Princess Mette-Marit weathered intense scrutiny over her past interactions with the convicted sex offender. Emails revealed a deeper and more personal relationship with Epstein than previously acknowledged, with exchanges occurring between 2011 and 2014, even after questions surrounding his character had been raised. In a public apology, she admitted her lack of judgment regarding Epstein, expressing regret for not having researched his background adequately and emphasizing her support for the victims of his crimes. As the Norwegian monarchy stands on shaky ground, discussions are burgeoning regarding the suitability of Mette-Marit as consort queen. As King Harald V nears his 90th year, one concern remains: will the monarchy survive the whirlwind of these crises? Currently, public sentiment seems to favor King Harald and Prince Haakon—the latter having maintained a credible image throughout these events, especially in comparison to Mette-Marit, whose reputation is now mired in scandal. Several scenarios could unfold for the Norwegian royal family as it navigates this tumultuous period. The most drastic potential outcome would be the abolition of the monarchy itself. A parliamentary discussion briefly raised this possibility, yet current surveys indicate substantial support for the monarchy, particularly for King Harald and Prince Haakon. Alternatively, the royal family might opt to remain passive, hoping that public interest in these scandals wanes with time and a renewed focus on the younger generation—Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus—might help mend the public's perception. Another avenue could involve leveraging Mette-Marit’s health condition—she has been struggling with pulmonary fibrosis. While this might garner sympathy, it complicates matters regarding her future role within the monarchy and could lead to the perception that she is unsuitable for her position as consort queen. The less likely options, such as a divorce between Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon, or Haakon voluntarily stepping back from the throne, could alter the monarchy's trajectory significantly. The royal couple has shown resilience in the face of adversity, casting doubt on the likelihood of a divorce, and with the established line of succession favoring Haakon over their daughter Ingrid Alexandra, it remains uncertain if he would choose to abdicate. Ultimately, the Norwegian royal house faces a critical junction. They must navigate a series of controversies that could have far-reaching implications for their legacy and the future of the monarchy. Whether through public relations strategies, addressing family matters more openly, or confronting the past more decisively, time will tell if the royal family can uphold its traditions and continue to resonate with the people of Norway. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2