King Harald, at 89 years old, has recently been discharged from the hospital and is resting in Tenerife with Queen Sonja. His recovery comes amid a significant decrease in public support for the Norwegian monarchy, which has fallen to 60%, a figure that reflects the lowest popularity level in the nation’s history. This decline has been attributed largely to the controversies surrounding Princess Mette-Marit, particularly her past association with Jeffrey Epstein, and the ongoing legal troubles involving their son, Marius Borg Høiby.

The survey results released by the national broadcaster NRK highlight a concerning trend for the monarchy, with a notable drop of ten percentage points in just a month. King Harald's health issues, including a skin infection, have placed additional pressure on the royal family. The monarchy, which traditionally enjoys a higher level of public support, is now facing scrutiny and criticism from its citizens who are uncomfortable with the emerging stories connected to the royal family’s personal lives.

As King Harald navigates these challenges, the implications for the future of the Norwegian monarchy are significant. With the public maintaining a critical view of royal activities and relationships, the family may need to undertake reparative measures to rebuild trust and restore the monarchy's standing in the eyes of the Norwegian people. This situation raises important questions about the relevance of royal institutions in contemporary society, especially when scandals overshadow their historical significance and public image.