Oslo, February 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: Norway’s Parliament has rejected a proposal to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic, even as the royal family faces mounting controversy following the release of newly disclosed Epstein-related documents and fresh legal troubles involving the Crown Princess’s son.
The debate unfolded during a turbulent week marked by the publication of correspondence between the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as well as the arrest of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, on new charges including assault, shortly before his trial on 38 other criminal counts was set to begin in the Oslo County Court.
Despite the heightened scrutiny surrounding the royal household, the Storting voted decisively against changing Norway’s system of government. Only 26 members of Parliament supported the proposal to replace the constitutional monarchy with a republic, while 141 voted against it. Lawmakers in favor of the motion stressed that their position was rooted in democratic principle rather than dissatisfaction with the current royal family.
Norway has periodically debated the relevance of a hereditary monarchy in a modern, egalitarian society. However, many MPs emphasized the monarchy’s historic and symbolic role, noting its unifying influence since Norway gained full sovereignty in 1905, its significance during World War II, and its diplomatic value for a nation of fewer than six million people.
The controversy surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit has nonetheless intensified. Some MPs expressed disappointment over her past relationship with Epstein, including Per-Willy Amundsen of the Progress Party, who suggested that the Crown Princess may have kept the public uninformed about the extent of her ties to Epstein between 2011 and 2014. He added, however, that the issue should not overshadow the lifelong service of King Harald V.
Further concerns emerged after reports indicated that photographs taken of the Crown Princess at Epstein’s Florida estate in 2013 included individuals with Russian connections, raising questions about potential national security implications. The Crown Princess has so far declined to comment on the matter.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre issued a firm public statement, saying he expects Crown Princess Mette-Marit and other prominent Norwegians linked to Epstein, including former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland, to address the questions surrounding their associations. Støre said both had demonstrated poor judgment and stressed that those representing Norway must adhere to high ethical standards.
Norway’s Foreign Ministry has also launched an investigation into senior diplomat Mona Juul, while the economic crime unit Økokrim is assessing whether grounds exist for a broader inquiry into financial links with Epstein.
Public confidence in the Crown Princess has reportedly declined sharply. A recent poll conducted by Respons Analyse for the newspaper Aftenposten found that 57 percent of respondents believe she is unfit to become queen, while only 22 percent expressed support. Several humanitarian organizations are reportedly reconsidering her role as royal patron.
Royal commentators note that only the monarch himself has the authority to revoke her title, a step few expect King Harald to take. Crown Prince Haakon, who is next in line to the throne, has remained publicly supportive of his wife. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is expected to succeed him in the future.
Observers widely agree that while the crisis has deeply shaken confidence in the Crown Princess, the Norwegian monarchy itself is likely to endure, though many acknowledge that the institution faces one of its most serious tests in decades.
