Haakon and Mette-Marit ascend to the throne of Norway following Harald V's death

King Harald V of Norway has died, paving the way for his son, Prince Haakon, and his wife, Mette-Marit, to assume the throne. Harald had been hospitalized since August 17 and faced several infections during his declining health, according to 20minutos.

Born in 1973, Haakon is the second child and only son of King Harald and Queen Sonja. The prince married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby in 2001, a woman with a personal history marked by challenges, including motherhood before marriage and controversial connections, such as those involving Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by El Universal.

Since her marriage, Mette-Marit has faced her share of challenges, both personal and public. Her past and journey have sparked debates surrounding the image of the Norwegian monarchy, especially after revelations about her involvement with Epstein. However, her life alongside Haakon marks the beginning of a more stable path, despite various controversies and health issues over the years, according to Sky TG24.

As the new monarchs, Haakon and Mette-Marit face the expectation of adapting to a role that brings significant responsibilities. Haakon, known for his activism in humanitarian and environmental causes, previously served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), according to the same source.

Mette-Marit’s current situation is also critical as she is recovering from a lung transplant. This raises questions about how Haakon will manage his royal duties and the possibility of relying on his daughter, Norway's first princess heir, or his mother, the first queen widow of the modern era, as highlighted by several outlets, including Observador.

The transition of the Norwegian monarchy, marked by Harald V's death, not only opens a new chapter under Haakon and Mette-Marit’s leadership but also prompts traditional institutions to reconsider their narratives and public images in an era characterized by challenges and scandals.