Who is King Haakon VIII? Norway's new king who once wanted to escape royal life

Crown Prince Haakon has ascended to the throne of Norway following the death of his father, King Harald V, at the age of 89. The 53-year-old monarch has gradually assumed greater royal responsibilities as his father's health declined over the years. As the sole surviving son of King Harald and Queen Sonja, Haakon has served as regent during his father's declining health and formally succeeded him upon Harald's passing at Oslo University Hospital.

However, Haakon's path to the throne was not one he initially embraced. In his 2023 autobiography, he revealed his reluctance towards royal life and the attention it brought. As a child, he preferred to stay out of the spotlight, eventually studying at the University of California, Berkeley, to distance himself from home. Haakon developed a passion for surfing, finding solace in the water where he felt like himself.

He later married Mette-Marit at a music festival, whose relationship attracted media scrutiny due to their differing social statuses. The couple has two children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Hoiby, was also integrated into the family.

Haakon's accession to the throne comes at a challenging time for the Norwegian royal family, which has faced numerous controversies in recent years. Mette-Marit has been scrutinized for her correspondence with convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, was recently convicted of rape and domestic violence charges.

Haakon has publicly supported his wife and expressed sympathy for the alleged victims in his stepson's case. The Norwegian monarch has acknowledged that his role in the monarchy has gained deeper meaning over time, stating his desire to be helpful to others. Despite the demands of royal life, Haakon maintains that his love for the water remains an essential aspect of his private life, providing inner peace when spending time with his family.