Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has become King Haakon VIII of Norway following the death of his father, King Harald V, on Friday. He adopted the royal motto "All for Norway," a tradition dating back to his great-grandfather. Haakon's eldest child, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, now becomes the heir to the throne.
Haakon's accession comes at a time when the Norwegian monarchy faces scrutiny. His wife, Queen Mathilde, has faced renewed attention over past contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and their stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently convicted of rape. Queen Mathilde has publicly apologized for her association with Epstein, stating she was manipulated and exercised poor judgment, and she is not accused of any wrongdoing.
As his father's health declined in recent years, Haakon frequently served as regent, gaining experience in royal duties. The Norwegian monarchy traces its origins to the ninth century, and its modern form was restored in 1905. While the monarch's role is largely symbolic, with power residing in an elected parliament, the royal family plays a significant part in promoting the nation.
Haakon pursued higher education, earning degrees in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and development studies from the London School of Economics. He also graduated from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy and completed diplomatic training. He has expressed a lifelong interest in royalty, though he once dreamed of owning a toy shop.
His relationship with Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, whom he met in 1999, presented challenges to public acceptance. Høiby was a single mother, and her past involved associations with individuals involved in illegal drug activity. Despite initial public division, the couple wed in 2001. Their popularity grew through a combination of perceived relatability and royal dignity. They have two children together, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and Haakon is stepfather to Marius Borg Høiby.
In addition to the recent legal issues, Queen Mathilde was diagnosed with a rare form of chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, undergoing a lung transplant in June. These events have contributed to a decline in public support for the monarchy, with a 2022 poll showing 68% support, down from 81% in 2017.
King Haakon VIII's reign will include efforts to stabilize the monarchy and restore its popularity. The family has also faced reputational challenges from King Harald V's daughter, Princess Märtha Louise, and her husband, Durek Verrett, an American shaman. Princess Märtha Louise announced in 2022 that she would cease officially representing the royal house due to questions surrounding her and her fiancé's roles.