Support For The Monarchy Has Surged In Norway

• 1.09.2026, 13:31

The new king will take the oath of office before Parliament today.

A poll in Norway showed growing support for retaining the monarchy—after approval of the monarchy had wavered in the wake of the “Epstein files” scandal.

The public broadcaster commissioned the corresponding public opinion survey NRK.

A poll conducted by Norstat last weekend following the death of King Harald V showed that 72% of respondents support retaining the monarchy as Norway’s form of government. This is a significant increase compared to 64% as of May 2026.

20% would like to see a transition to a republic or another form of government, while 8% were undecided.

Norwegians’ attitude toward the monarchy had been deteriorating prior to this—amid image problems involving Crown Princess (now Queen) Mette-Marit in connection with her association with the scandal-plagued billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the criminal case against her son.

As a reminder, Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII, will take the oath of office before Parliament on Tuesday, September 1. Queen Mette-Marit herself will miss the ceremony due to health reasons following a lung transplant.

The funeral for King Harald V of Norway will take place on September 9; prior to that, Norwegians can come to pay their respects to him at the chapel of the Royal Palace.