Denmark’s Queen Mary has offered her thoughts about the new Queen Consort of Norway, Mette-Marit, for the first time since King Haakon was sworn in.
Mary opted for a show of solidarity, rather than offering a direct mention of the criticism that the new Queen has faced in recent years.
As reported by the Danish outlet SE og HØR, she said: “The Norwegian royal couple know that our thoughts are with them at a time of great change.
“They know that they have our full support and backing.”
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Mette-Marit, spouse of the newly ascended King Haakon VIII, carries considerable baggage into her role, not least her former association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the criminal conviction of her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby.
Mette-Marit’s friendship with Epstein generated significant scrutiny after past messages between the pair were made public.
Her son Høiby has compounded matters further, having been found guilty of rape alongside other criminal offences – a case that attracted widespread media attention across Scandinavia.
Mary herself is no stranger to the transition Mette-Marit now faces. The Danish queen likewise married a crown prince who subsequently took the throne, and has spent more than two years serving as Queen Consort.
Mary also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late King Harald, who passed away on August 28. Speaking on Wednesday, she described him as “such a nice person.”
“It was always a real pleasure to be in his company. I understand why he is called ‘the grandfather of all Norway’, because he always had an eye for his fellow human beings,” she said.
The Danish Queen recalled her earliest encounters with Harald, noting the particular warmth he showed her as she found her footing in royal life.
“I personally experienced his great care and thoughtfulness in my first meeting with him when I was completely new to my role as Crown Princess. He will be missed,” Mary added.
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Queen Mary and King Frederik also sent a formal letter of condolence to King Haakon following his father’s death. In it, they praised Harald as “an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart,” whose “warm and dry sense of humour and unwavering calm” put those around him at ease.
“For 35 years, King Harald was a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion. He was cherished like few others, and he will be missed by many,” they wrote.
The couple also emphasised the enduring connection between the two kingdoms, saying: “The bonds between Denmark and Norway are strong. For generations, our families and our countries have been closely tied. Your father will stand as a symbol of that which binds us together.”
The Danish royal couple have confirmed their attendance at Harald’s state funeral, which will take place in Oslo on September 9. They will be joined by a substantial contingent of European royalty.
While he may not be in attendance, King Charles led the tributes to his late relative, describing him as “my dear cousin” in a statement issued alongside Queen Camilla.
“It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway,” he said.
“For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.”
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