"Controversies and scandals challenge the trust in the Norwegian Royal Family."

The recent controversy surrounding the Norwegian Royal Family has left a profound mark on public perception of the monarchy. The scandal involving Marius Borg, son of Princess Mette-Marit, has triggered a series of reactions suggesting a significant shift in the public's trust towards the Royal House. According to an opinion poll commissioned by the newspaper 'Dagbladet' and conducted by the company InFact, nearly half of Norwegians, 45.1%, have expressed a more negative view of the Royal Family compared to the previous year. The surveys reveal that this scandal has affected the image not only of Mette-Marit but also of Prince Haakon and the rest of the royal family. Caroline Vagle, a royal expert, has indicated that the succession of controversies has overshadowed the work carried out by the monarchy, although she has also noted that there are those who feel compassion for the situation facing the Royal Family. This contrast in opinions raises the question of whether this negative trend will persist or if, on the contrary, there will be a change in the future. The widespread discontent is not an isolated phenomenon. Recently, the NRK network released another study conducted by Norstat that confirms the trend. About 45% of respondents have reported a change in their perception of King Harald and other members of the royal family, citing the Marius Borg scandal and the controversial relationship of Marta Luisa with shaman Durek Verrett as the main factors influencing their opinion. Despite this outlook, support for the monarchy remains relatively stable, with 64% of the population expressing their backing for the institution. This suggests that while there is discontent with the particular situation of the family, the monarchy itself still holds a place in the hearts of many Norwegians. In this context, King Harald has made statements about the importance of family unity in difficult times, trying to project an image of cohesion and resilience amid public scrutiny. However, the year has been marked by significant challenges for the Royal Family. The hospitalization of King Harald in February, where a pacemaker was implanted, and the scandalous wedding of Marta Luisa to Durek Verrett have added fuel to the fire. The couple's decision to limit press access to the event, reserving the exclusive rights for a documentary, has been seen as a disdainful act towards Norwegian media, exacerbating criticism of the royal family. Prince Haakon has maintained a firm stance regarding trust in the authorities during the detentions of his stepson, although he has expressed concern about public perception of the monarchy. His words suggest that the family is aware of the impact these scandals have on public opinion and the need to address these issues seriously. Meanwhile, the Norwegian press has begun to point to Ingrid of Norway, the youngest daughter of Mette-Marit, as a possible savior for the monarchy. There is speculation that she could play a crucial role in rebuilding the image of the royal family, despite efforts to protect her from the scandals affecting her older brother. The current situation raises questions about the future of the royal family and its ability to recover from this crisis. At a time when public trust is wavering, the Royal House faces the challenge of restoring its reputation and re-establishing the faith of Norwegians in the monarchy. The Norwegian royal family is undoubtedly at a decisive moment. The combination of personal scandals, health issues, and controversial decisions has created a breeding ground for criticism and discontent. While support for the monarchy remains high, the negative perception of the royal family highlights the need for an effective and transparent response from the institution if it wishes to move forward and regain the trust of the Norwegian people.