Haakon VIII Takes Norwegian Throne After Death of King Harald V

Norway has a new monarch. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII on Friday following the death of his father, King Harald V. Haakon's eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, now holds the title of Crown Princess and is the heir apparent.

The new king is well-prepared for his role, having served as regent on multiple occasions in recent years as his father's health declined. The Norwegian monarchy, which traces its roots to the ninth century, was restored by popular vote in 1905 after the country regained independence. Today, the king's duties are largely ceremonial, with political power resting in the elected parliament.

Haakon's path to the throne was set early in life. As the oldest male child, he became heir in 1991 when his grandfather, King Olav, died. A 1990 constitutional change allowing firstborns of any gender to take precedence in succession was not applied retroactively.

His reign begins amid challenges. The royal family's popularity has faced headwinds, including the recent rape conviction of his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, and scrutiny over his wife, Queen Mette-Marit's, past contacts with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mette-Marit has apologized for that association, saying she was manipulated and exercised poor judgment. She is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Haakon and Mette-Marit married in 2001 after a courtship that divided public opinion due to her background as a single mother. They have two children together, and Haakon is also stepfather to Høiby, who was sentenced to four years in prison in June.

The new king's duties will include bolstering support for the monarchy. While a majority of Norwegians still favor the institution, polls show support has declined in recent years, from 81% in 2017 to 68% in late 2022.