Oslo, Norway – Support for the Norwegian royal family has plummeted to a historic low, coinciding with a series of deeply troubling scandals involving both Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her son, Marius Borg Høiby. Recent polling data reveals a significant decline in public approval, raising questions about the future of the monarchy in Norway.
Just 60 percent of Norwegians now express support for the royal family, a 10-point drop from a month prior, according to public broadcaster NRK. NRK reported this level of support is unprecedented in modern Norwegian history. The decline comes as the royal family faces scrutiny over allegations of inappropriate conduct and connections to a convicted sex offender.
Scandal Surrounds Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
The controversy surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit centers on newly released documents from the legal case against Jeffrey Epstein. The US Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents related to the case in January 2026, and these files reveal a far more extensive relationship between the Crown Princess and Epstein than previously acknowledged. The Guardian reported that the Epstein files contain nearly 1,000 mentions of Mette-Marit, indicating years of contact with the convicted sex offender.
Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Prior to her marriage, she lived a life far removed from royalty, and her past has been a source of public discussion. The extent of her association with Epstein, however, represents a new level of scrutiny. The revelations have sparked outrage and calls for greater transparency from the royal household. A poll conducted by TV2 at the finish of January showed that 47.6 percent of respondents believe Mette-Marit should not turn into queen, while only 28.9 percent support her ascension to the throne.
Son of Crown Princess Faces Serious Allegations
Adding to the turmoil, Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, is currently on trial in Oslo facing 38 charges, including four counts of rape and violence. The Guardian detailed that Høiby, 29, pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges but admitted partial guilt for aggravated assault and reckless behavior. He likewise admitted to lesser charges, including speeding.
While Høiby is not a member of the royal family, his close relationship with the Crown Princess and his status as her son have drawn the royal household into the legal proceedings. The trial has captivated the nation, and the allegations have further eroded public trust in the monarchy. The court case began on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, and is expected to continue for several weeks.
King Harald Remains Popular, But Monarchy Faces Uncertainty
Despite the scandals, King Harald V, who celebrated his 89th birthday on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, remains the most popular member of the royal family. The recent poll by NRK indicates that he continues to enjoy strong public support. However, the overall decline in approval for the monarchy as a whole raises concerns about its long-term viability.
The Norwegian monarchy has evolved over centuries, transitioning from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. The current royal family plays a largely ceremonial role, representing Norway on the international stage and serving as a symbol of national unity. However, the recent scandals have challenged this image and prompted a national conversation about the relevance of the monarchy in the 21st century.
Historical Context of the Norwegian Monarchy
The Norwegian monarchy traces its roots back to the Viking Age, with Harald Fairhair traditionally considered the first king of Norway in the 9th century. For centuries, Norway was often united with Denmark and Sweden under personal unions. Norway gained full independence in 1905, and Prince Carl of Denmark was elected as King Haakon VII, establishing the current dynasty. The current King Harald V ascended to the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V.
Impact on Public Opinion and Future of the Monarchy
The combination of the Epstein revelations and the allegations against Marius Borg Høiby has created a perfect storm of negative publicity for the Norwegian royal family. The scandals have fueled debate about the monarchy’s accountability and its ability to uphold the values of Norwegian society. Political analysts suggest that the monarchy may need to undergo significant reforms to regain public trust.
The current situation presents a significant challenge for Crown Prince Haakon, who is next in line to the throne. He will need to navigate these tough times with sensitivity and transparency to restore confidence in the monarchy. The future of the Norwegian monarchy may depend on his ability to address these issues effectively.
The Norwegian constitution outlines the role and responsibilities of the monarch, but it also allows for amendments through parliamentary approval. While there is currently no widespread movement to abolish the monarchy, the declining public support suggests that the issue could gain traction in the coming years. The debate over the monarchy’s future is likely to intensify as more information emerges from the Epstein case and the trial of Marius Borg Høiby progresses.
The unfolding events are being closely watched by other European royal families, who are also grappling with issues of public perception and accountability. The Norwegian case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and transparency in the face of public scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Public support for the Norwegian royal family has reached a historic low.
- Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s extensive ties to Jeffrey Epstein have come under intense scrutiny.
- Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the Crown Princess, is on trial facing serious criminal charges.
- King Harald V remains popular, but the monarchy’s future is uncertain.
- The scandals have sparked a national debate about the relevance and accountability of the monarchy.
The trial of Marius Borg Høiby is ongoing, with the next court date scheduled for February 28th, 2026. Further developments in the Epstein case are also expected as more documents are released and analyzed. We will continue to provide updates on these unfolding events as they become available. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.