Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Haakon Takes Norway’s Throne Amid Royal Family Scandals
Haakon became Norway’s king after his father, King Harald, died.
As a child, Haakon felt uncomfortable when people paid attention to him because he was a royal.
He studied far away in California and enjoyed surfing, music, skiing and windsurfing.
He met Mette-Marit at a music festival, and they married in 2001 after some people criticized their relationship.
They have two children, and Mette-Marit also has a son named Marius.
Haakon has supported his wife during questions about her contact with Jeffrey Epstein and during her health problems.
Marius was convicted of rape and domestic violence, but he and prosecutors appealed the sentence.
Haakon says he has learned to find meaning in being a public servant and is happiest in the water with his family.
Crown Prince Haakon became Norway’s king on Friday after the death of his father, King Harald.
Born in 1973, Haakon served in the navy and studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and the London School of Economics.
He married Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby in 2001 after controversy over her commoner background and status as a single mother.
Haakon has supported Mette-Marit amid scrutiny over her correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein and her lung transplant.
His stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby, was convicted of two rape counts and domestic violence; both he and prosecutors appealed his sentence.
- Who
- Haakon Magnus, his late father King Harald, Queen Mette-Marit, and Haakon’s stepson Marius Borg Hoiby are central to the reports.
- What
- Haakon succeeded his father as Norway’s king and is widely expected to use the name King Haakon VIII.
- When
- He became king on Friday, following King Harald’s death; the reports were dated August 28.
- Where
- The succession took place in Norway; Haakon studied in California and London.
- Why
- He became king through Norway’s line of succession after his father’s death.
Family Support
Public Accountability
Support for Mette-Marit
Family Support
Haakon said marriage means standing together through good and bad times and supported Mette-Marit during scrutiny over her correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.
Public Accountability
The correspondence led to media criticism, and Mette-Marit later addressed the matter publicly, saying she had been manipulated and deceived.
Marius Borg Hoiby’s legal case
Family Support
Haakon said the family supports Marius while also caring for the other children during the legal proceedings.
Public Accountability
Haakon expressed sympathy for the alleged victims and said Marius should face the judicial system like any other citizen.
The monarchy’s public image
Family Support
Haakon has been praised for maintaining a calm, restrained presence and for emphasizing environmental protection and opposition to racism and homophobia.
Public Accountability
Reports say controversies involving the royal family have damaged its public image and reduced support for the monarchy, although it remains broadly popular.
- Birth
- Haakon Magnus was born on July 20, 1973.
- Education
- He studied politics at the University of California, Berkeley, and development studies or international politics at the London School of Economics.
- Marriage
- Haakon married Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby in 2001 after meeting her at a music festival in Kristiansand in 1999.
- Children
- They have Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus; Mette-Marit also has Marius Borg Hoiby from a previous relationship.
- Marius case
- Marius was found guilty of two of four rape counts and one domestic-violence count and received a four-year prison sentence; both he and the prosecution appealed.
- Succession
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now heir apparent, followed by Prince Sverre Magnus.
- Royal name
- Haakon is widely expected to retain his name and become King Haakon VIII, but the reports say he can choose another name.
- Modern monarchy
- Haakon is Norway’s fourth king since the country gained full independence from Sweden in 1905.
