The Danish Royal House has declined to comment on Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway’s Order of the Elephant amid controversy surrounding her admission of poor judgment regarding connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, her son Marius Borg Høiby faces new legal troubles after being placed in pretrial detention for four weeks on Monday.
Royal House Remains Silent on Multiple Scandals
The Danish Royal House is staying tight-lipped about the escalating controversies surrounding the Norwegian royal family. Officials refuse to address either the Epstein connection or the legal issues facing Mette-Marit’s son, who was arrested shortly before a scheduled court appearance.
According to Berlingske royal commentator Jakob Steen Olsen, it’s too early to predict what consequences these scandals will have for relations between Denmark and Norway. However, the fundamental relationship between the Norwegian public and their royal house has been damaged.
The commentator explains that the unspoken agreement between citizens and the monarchy, that royals should exemplify moral behavior, has been broken. Now the critical question is whether the Norwegian royal family can rebuild public trust and earn forgiveness from their people.
Epstein Connection Raises Serious Questions
Olsen believes the Jeffrey Epstein scandal presents a more serious threat to the Norwegian monarchy than the criminal cases against Marius Borg Høiby. While the royal family can maintain some distance from the stepson’s troubles, they cannot separate themselves from the Crown Princess herself.
Mette-Marit publicly acknowledged using poor judgment in her association with Epstein. However, Olsen characterizes this as more than just poor judgment. He describes it as a complete absence of sound decision-making.
Interestingly, the most tangible Danish connection in this affair is the Order of the Elephant itself. The Crown Princess holds no Danish patronages or protectorates, making the prestigious Danish decoration her primary formal link to Denmark.
Norwegian Organizations React Differently
Norwegian organizations that count Mette-Marit as their patron are taking varied approaches to the scandal. Most appear to be waiting to see how events unfold before making any decisions.
The Red Cross issued a measured statement noting they had observed the Crown Princess’s admission of poor judgment. Their position reflects a wait-and-see approach, depending on whether the situation resolves itself or worsens with additional revelations.
On the other hand, the Norwegian organization Sex og Samfunn announced Monday afternoon through VG newspaper that they have terminated their collaboration with Crown Princess Mette-Marit. This marks the first major organizational break in response to the scandal.
Potential Impact on Danish Royal Perception
Despite the troubling nature of these events for Norway, Olsen suggests the turmoil could actually benefit Denmark’s royal family in terms of public perception. The contrast between the two royal houses may become increasingly apparent to Danish citizens.
The commentator believes Danes might find themselves appreciating their own royal family more when comparing it to the challenges facing the Norwegian monarchy. The well-functioning nature of the Danish royal household stands in stark relief against the current Norwegian situation.
Even though the Danish Royal House refuses official comment on the matter, this doesn’t mean they’re ignoring developments in Norway. Olsen emphasizes that while palace officials may not speak publicly, they’re certainly monitoring the situation closely.
The Order of the Elephant Connection
The Order of the Elephant represents Denmark’s highest honor and is traditionally reserved for reigning monarchs, their consorts, heirs to the throne, and select foreign royalty. The decoration is typically granted during significant diplomatic or familial milestones.
Despite her prominent role in Scandinavian royalty, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has never received the Order of the Elephant or any other Danish honors. This stands in notable contrast to her daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who received the Knight of the Order of the Elephant on January 21, 2022, coinciding with her 18th birthday.
The selective granting practices within Danish royal tradition often tie to specific protocols and milestone events. Ingrid Alexandra’s award marked her entry into formal royal duties as second in line to the Norwegian throne. No official explanation has ever been provided for why Mette-Marit herself was not similarly honored.
Looking Forward
As the situation continues to develop, the focus remains on whether the Norwegian Crown Princess can regain the trust of her nation’s citizens. The Danish Royal House’s silence on the matter aligns with the discreet traditions typically surrounding royal decorations and inter-royal relationships.
For now, the Order of the Elephant remains in the drawer, as the commentator noted, while both royal houses navigate these sensitive diplomatic and public relations challenges. The coming weeks and months will reveal whether additional information emerges and how Norwegian patronage organizations ultimately respond to the scandal.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Monarchy Royal Heritage and Modern Role
The Danish Dream: Best Lawyer in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Kongehuset vil ikke kommentere Mette-Marits Elefantorden
