Stéphane Bern: Norway's King Haakon VIII must rein in 'black sheep'

Following the death of King Harald V of Norway at the age of 89, the Norwegian monarchy faces a period of significant challenge. The late king's reign concluded with a monarchy perceived by some as weakened by a series of scandals that have surfaced over the years.

Crown Prince Haakon is now set to ascend the throne, taking on the responsibilities of leadership at a critical juncture for the royal institution. His succession comes at a time when the monarchy's public image and stability may be fragile, requiring careful navigation and decisive action.

Royal expert Stéphane Bern has commented on the situation, suggesting that the new King Haakon VIII will need to address internal issues within the royal family. Bern's remarks imply that the monarch must take steps to manage or correct the behavior of certain royal family members, referred to metaphorically as "black sheep," who may be contributing to the monarchy's difficulties.

Bern's perspective underscores the delicate balance the new king must strike between upholding tradition and addressing modern-day scrutiny. The success of his reign may depend heavily on his ability to restore public confidence and ensure the continued relevance and respectability of the Norwegian crown.