King of Norway under fire. "He should be a visible leader when the country is in crisis"
The CEO of the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs), Øivind Amundsen, criticized the way the Norwegian royal court communicates during crises. In his opinion, King Harald, who has decided to remain on the throne despite being 89 years old, should more clearly lead the institution during times of increasing pressure. The palace has not responded to these allegations.
In the photo: Queen Sonja and King Harald in 2025.
Fot. Kimm Saatvedt, Det kongelige hoff
Amundsen presented his position in an interview with the newspaper Finansavisen. He emphasized that he still supports the monarchy and is proud of the Norwegian royal family, but recent events have, in his view, revealed communication problems. He pointed to issues concerning Princess Märtha Louise, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Marius Borg Høiby. These have attracted the most public attention over the past year.
Communication criticism. Oslo Børs points out
Amundsen compared the court's operations to the functioning of listed companies. Companies listed on the Oslo Børs depend on market trust, so in difficult times they must provide information quickly and precisely. Unclear messages can lead to a loss of credibility. In his opinion, the Norwegian royal court should follow similar principles.
The importance of trust is shown by the results of a survey conducted in February by Norstat for Dagbladet and NRK. Support for the monarchy was declared by 66 percent of respondents, while in August 2025 the figure was 73 percent. At the same time, more than nine out of ten people had heard about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. In this group, 76 percent said their trust in the future queen had weakened.
The importance of trust is shown by the results of a survey conducted in February by Norstat for Dagbladet and NRK. Support for the monarchy was declared by 66 percent of respondents, while in August 2025 the figure was 73 percent. At the same time, more than nine out of ten people had heard about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. In this group, 76 percent said their trust in the future queen had weakened.
In the photo: Crown Prince Haakon and King Harald V.Photo: Jørgen Gomnæs/Det kongelige hoff
The king remains on the throne. Amundsen expects leadership
Amundsen directed his harshest words at King Harald. He stated that the monarch should not be portrayed solely as someone affected by events surrounding the royal family, as he still serves as head of state. He compared him to the CEO of the "company" that is the royal court. According to Amundsen, remaining in office means the obligation to clearly lead the institution during a crisis.
King Harald has repeatedly declared that he does not plan to abdicate. After the resignation of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II in 2024, he explained that he had sworn an oath before parliament and that it binds him for life. His father, King Olav V, and grandfather, King Haakon VII, both chose the same path. Both remained on the throne until their deaths.
King Harald has repeatedly declared that he does not plan to abdicate. After the resignation of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II in 2024, he explained that he had sworn an oath before parliament and that it binds him for life. His father, King Olav V, and grandfather, King Haakon VII, both chose the same path. Both remained on the throne until their deaths.
He decided to remain in this position despite his advanced age. He has a duty to be a clear and visible leader when the "company" is in crisis
Amundsen declined to further comment on the statements made in Finansavisen. The Norwegian Royal Court (Det kongelige hoff) also chose not to respond to the criticism. The palace only stated that it does not see the need to present a position.
How do you rate this article?