There's a new Queen Consort in Europe: Norway's Queen Mette-Marit. The wife of Norwegian monarch King Haakon VIII, who ascended the throne less than a week ago, is no stranger to controversy. Her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein as well as her eldest child, Marius Borg Høiby, who's been found guilty of rape and other crimes, have made headlines in recent years.
In fact, following the release of past messages between her and Epstein, HELLO! was told earlier this year that there was "already an ongoing debate about whether Mette-Marit" could become queen after this. Though she since has.
Queen Mary of Denmark, who, like Mette-Marit, married a Crown Prince who eventually ascended the throne, has more than two years of experience as a Queen Consort herself. On September 2, Mary was asked what type of Queen Mette-Marit will be, a question she didn't directly answer. According to SE og HØR , the Danish royal replied (translated to English): "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."
The Norwegian and Danish royal couples have a close relationship. In addition to King Harald and Denmark's Queen Margrethe II being second cousins, King Frederik of Denmark is one of Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway's godparents, while Mette-Marit and Haakon are both godparents to Crown Prince Christian of Denmark.
© Per Ole Hagen/Getty ImagesOn Wednesday, Mary also spoke warmly of the late Norwegian monarch, remembering King Harald 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," Mary said, translated to English. "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."
Following Harald's death on August 28, Queen Mary and King Frederik sent a letter of condolence to the late monarch's son, now-King Haakon.
© Rune Hellestad/Getty Images"It is with great sorrow that we have learned about the death of your father, His Majesty King Harald. We send our warmest thoughts and condolences to Aunt Sonja, to you and Mette-Marit, and to your family. Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us. With his warm and dry sense of humour and unwavering calm, Uncle Harald made others feel comfortable and at ease in his presence. He was an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart," the Danish royal couple wrote.
"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," Frederik and Mary continued. "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."
"You now step into your role as king. It is one that we know you will bear with the same honour and dignity as your father. May faith, hope, and love follow you and give you strength on your journey."
Queen Mary and King Frederik are confirmed to attend Harald's state funeral in Oslo on September 9. Other royal attendees will include the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Princess Beatrix and Princess Catharina-Amalia, and Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine and Princess Christina.
