The death of a monarch can boost national unity, and support for the crown.
Norway’s new King Haakon VIII will be hoping that sentiment rings true following the death of his father, King Harald who died Friday after 35 years on the throne, marking the latest blow for a family reeling from scandal.
The royal clan was thrust into the global spotlight earlier this year, when Queen Consort Mette-Marit, Haakon’s wife of 25 years, made headlines for her past association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while her non-royal son from a previous relationship stood trial for rape.
The succession of scandals sparked an open discussion in the country about her suitability to the role of Queen, with some experts even laying out possible options for her withdrawal from royal duties.
But past criticism seems to have softened of late. Instead, the death of Harald V, who was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, could potentially mobilize a fresh wave of support and empathy for the clan, experts now suggest.
