Norway's crown princess, Mette-Marit, has undergone a successful lung transplant after a dramatic deterioration of her pulmonary fibrosis. The news prompted an outpouring of sympathy and a surge in organ donor registrations. However, the monarchy faces a deeper crisis of public trust due to two other issues: the actions of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, and her past contact with Jeffrey Epstein.
Son's Conviction
Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's son, was convicted of 34 out of 40 offenses, including domestic abuse and two counts of rape, and sentenced to four years in prison. His lawyers have lodged an appeal. The palace had no comment on the outcome.
Epstein Connections
Mette-Marit's past contact with Jeffrey Epstein has eroded public trust. Initially described as casual encounters, released emails revealed a closer friendship, including visits to Epstein's Palm Beach house and discussions of literature. In a March interview, she expressed deep regret, saying she was manipulated by Epstein and ended contact in 2014. However, 68% of the public found her answers insufficient.
The monarchy has never been less popular, with one in three Norwegians believing King Harald V should be the last monarch. The institution's reputation as being 'of the people' has been damaged, as mingling with Epstein reminded many of the royal family's global elite status.
Public Trust Eroded
In a March poll, almost half of those surveyed saw Mette-Marit as unfit to become queen. The palace's misleading initial narrative and reluctance to be transparent have provided a breeding ground for conspiracy theories. While two out of three Norwegians still support the monarchy, its unassailable position is gone.
Norwegians sincerely hope Mette-Marit recovers successfully, but the task of rebuilding trust after such serious missteps remains.
