Meet Norway's Controversial New Queen Mette-Marit, a Former Waitress Who Must Win Over the Public After Her Epstein Associations and Son's Rape Trial
Our take
The ascension of King Haakon VIII and the continued spotlight on his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, presents a fascinating study in modern royalty and the evolving expectations placed upon those who inherit such roles. While the passing of King Harald V marks the end of an era of widespread affection and stability for Norway, it also illuminates the challenges facing the new monarchy. Mette-Marit, a former waitress and single mother who married into the royal family in 2001, has always been a figure of both fascination and scrutiny. The recent resurgence of attention surrounding her past, including associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing rape trial of her son, Marius, underscores the delicate tightrope she must walk to secure public trust and solidify her position. It’s a stark contrast to the quiet grace and enduring popularity enjoyed by her predecessor, a reality echoed in the complexities faced by other royal figures, such as the shifting dynamics within the British monarchy as seen in Prince Harry Wants His Kids to “Understand” One Thing After Their U.K. Return.
Mette-Marit's journey to becoming queen is undeniably unconventional. Her background, far removed from the traditional aristocratic lineage associated with royalty, initially generated considerable public interest and a degree of skepticism. However, she has largely managed to win over the Norwegian people through her genuine warmth, her commitment to social causes, and her willingness to engage with ordinary citizens. Yet, the resurfacing of past controversies, particularly the Epstein connection and the deeply troubling allegations against her son, threatens to undermine that hard-earned goodwill. It’s a situation not unlike the careful navigation required by Queen Camilla, whose relationship with Prince Harry continues to be a source of public discourse, as highlighted by Queen Camilla's Friend Shares Her "Least Said" Philosophy on Prince Harry Relationship. These instances reveal a broader trend: the increased scrutiny of royal figures' pasts in an era of instant information and heightened public accountability.
The Norwegian case is particularly noteworthy given Norway's historically egalitarian society and its relatively small, homogenous population. The monarchy's role is largely symbolic, focused on national unity and representing the country on the world stage. Public perception is, therefore, crucial to its continued relevance. The trials faced by Mette-Marit aren't merely personal; they are a test of the monarchy's ability to adapt to changing societal values and expectations. The court’s response – or lack thereof – will be closely watched, as will the public’s willingness to separate the queen's actions from those of her family. It's a complex interplay of forgiveness, understanding, and the enduring need for a figurehead who embodies the nation’s values. The situation also mirrors the broader cultural fascination with figures who defy conventional expectations, as demonstrated by the rising popularity of someone like Owen Thiele Is Everyone's Best Friend, who similarly captivates audiences through his effortless charm and ability to navigate diverse social circles.
Ultimately, the future of the Norwegian monarchy, and specifically Queen Mette-Marit’s standing, hinges on her ability to demonstrate resilience, transparency, and a continued commitment to serving the Norwegian people. The coming months will be critical in shaping public opinion and determining whether she can successfully navigate these turbulent waters. The question remains: can a queen, once celebrated for her unconventional background and approachable demeanor, reclaim the public’s trust in the face of such significant challenges, or will these controversies fundamentally alter the role and perception of the Norwegian monarchy?
The new King Haakon VIII of Norway has a tough act to follow after his father, King Harald V, died at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28. Known as the grandfather of Norway, the king was widely beloved by the public. But Haakon and his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, are facing an uncertain future as they attempt to increase their popularity—and Mette-Marit has found herself embroiled in numerous scandals over the years.
Born Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, the now-queen’s father was a convicted felon, and she went on to date John Ognby—a convicted criminal himself—before welcoming a son, Marius Borg-Høiby, in 1997 with one of Ognby’s friends (also a felon).
She worked as a waitress to support herself and her young son and later met Crown Prince Haakon at a music festival in the summer of 1999. Their romance moved quickly and an engagement was announced in December 2000, to the shock of the Norwegian public.
In a pre-wedding interview, Mette-Marit admitted to having a wild past on the rave scene involving drugs and partying, but said those days were over. Still, it took time for the public to warm to her. A 2001 article in the Independent slammed Mette-Marit after their wedding, writing, "the general view that she is totally unsuited to her designated role as Queen of Norway."
Over the years, the now-Queen Mette-Marit dedicated herself to charity work and welcomed two children with her husband, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. But in 2024, her eldest son, Høiby, was arrested on numerous occasions, and in 2026, he was charged on two counts of rape.
Høiby, who is waiting on an appeal trial, was sentenced to four years in prison and is currently on house arrest. The high-profile trial put a negative spotlight on Mette-Marit and her family, especially after allegations swirled that she may have attempted to withhold information or shield her son during investigations.
The new queen also made headlines in early 2026 when emails she sent to her then-friend, Jeffrey Epstein, were released in the Epstein files. The messages sent shockwaves through the Norwegian public, including one that read, "Googled you after the previous email. Agreed, it didn't look good :)."
In March 2026, Mette-Marit gave a tearful interview during which she apologized for her actions. She noted it was “incredibly important” to her “to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully.”
Explaining that she didn’t recall what the Google-related email was about, she added, “But if I had found information that made me realize that he was an abuser and sex offender, I wouldn't have written a smiley face behind it.”
In addition to her public controversies, Queen Mette-Marit has also suffered from health setbacks over the past decade. In 2018, the royal court announced she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic condition that causes scarring in the lungs and difficulty breathing. By the spring of 2026 she was using an oxygen tank, and the new queen received a lung transplant in June.
Now that she’s become queen, Mette-Marit must rehabilitate her public image. According to Reuters, a recent TV2 poll in Norway found that 47.6 percent of Norwegians thought she should not become queen, and the royal family’s overall popularity dipped from 70 percent to 60 percent in February 2026.
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