Norwegian Royal Family Faces Crisis Amid Scandals
The Norwegian royal family is currently embroiled in a significant crisis following the controversial marriage of Princess Märtha Louise to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett and the recent violent incident involving Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby. Marius, aged 27, has been accused of injuring a young woman and vandalizing her apartment, leading to a temporary restraining order against him. This situation adds immense stress to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is already battling chronic pulmonary fibrosis.
In a bid to distance itself from these scandals, King Harald V has made notable changes to the royal family's official website. The section previously labeled 'Royal Family' has been restructured to clarify which members hold representative roles. Now, only King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and their daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra are listed under the main royal family, while others, including Marius and Princess Märtha Louise, have been relegated to a new category titled 'Other Royals.'
Royal Duties and Public Perception in Decline
The royal family's recent actions come amid a decline in public support for the monarchy, exacerbated by Marius's legal troubles and the commercial endeavors surrounding Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett's wedding. Despite the couple's efforts to maintain a positive public image, their wedding, which attracted significant media attention and commercial partnerships, has not shielded them from controversy.
Historian Trond Norén Isaksen notes that the weakening of the Norwegian crown dates back to 2017, long before these recent scandals. The monarchy's public appearances have noticeably decreased, raising concerns about its future representation and relevance. As the royal family navigates these turbulent waters, the implications of these changes on their public image and responsibilities remain to be seen.
- Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has faced multiple allegations of physical and psychological abuse, which have tarnished the royal family's reputation. Following his arrest, the royal family has taken steps to distance itself from him, reflecting a broader strategy to manage public perception amidst ongoing controversies. The wedding of Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett was intended as a celebratory event; however, it has instead highlighted the royal family's struggles with maintaining its image. The couple's decision to engage in commercial activities post-wedding has further polarized public opinion, as many question the appropriateness of such actions given the royal family's current challenges. The changes to the royal website are seen as a strategic move to redefine the monarchy's public image and clarify the roles of its members. While Marius remains part of the family, his exclusion from the main royal section underscores the family's desire to prioritize its official representatives and restore public confidence.
