Norway's New King Takes Over as Monarchy Support Drops to 54%

King Haakon VIII ascended Norway's throne on 28 August 2026 after his father Harald V died at 89. Public backing for the monarchy fell from 72% in 2024 to 54%, per Aftenposten. The new king inherits family controversies — a princess linked to Epstein, a stepson's rape conviction, and a princess's marriage to a self-styled shaman — though experts call him respected and hard-working.