Norway's new King Haakon VIII, popular face of shaken monarchy
AS comfortable in a duffel coat as in ceremonial dress, Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII, is the new face of a monarchy long praised for its modernity and modesty, but now beset by woe and scandal.
Norway's new King Haakon VIII, a familiar face, steps into a monarchy once admired for its modernity and humility, now grappling with turmoil. Upon King Harald's peaceful demise, 53-year-old Haakon inherited the throne. He reaffirmed his family's motto, "All for Norway," and expressed his confidence in assuming the role, noting that his father likely felt similarly regarding his own succession.
Haakon, known for his modest demeanor, aligns with the Norwegian society's aversion to extravagance. As Mette-Marit's husband, he champions concerns relevant to his generation, such as environmental conservation and combating racism and homophobia. Since meeting Mette-Marit, a former single mother with a checkered past, during a 1999 music festival, she has garnered public sympathy and support.
Haakon and Mette-Marit have two daughters and a son, all born in the 2000s. However, the royal family faces criticism due to various scandals, including his sister's alleged commercial exploitation of her royal status and his stepson's rape conviction. Additionally, Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis, while emails revealed her past correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite these challenges, Haakon remains steadfast, earning praise from a prominent Norwegian journalist. A recent poll suggests that the majority of Norwegians believe he would make a suitable king.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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