A recent poll conducted by Norstat for news shows that the situation surrounding Marius Borg Høiby has consequences for Norwegians’ relationship with the royal house. Despite the fact that Høiby is not part of the royal house, but of the king’s family, the survey shows that the case affects people’s view of the royal house. 45 percent now say that they have gained a more negative view of it. There are far more than before. The measurement was carried out this week, in the period 10–13 December, with 1006 respondents. In comparison, 36 per cent answered that they had gained a more negative view of the royal house when news asked the same question at the end of August. – There is a significant increase now. But it is not so surprising, says commentator Eva Grinde in Dagens Næringsliv. – We have to remember that the three months that have passed since the last survey have not exactly been a wishful dream for the royal house in terms of news. This is how the change is justified Of those who have now answered that they have gained a more negative view, the majority clearly justify it with the situation connected to Marius Borg Høiby. Some also justify it with Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett. Marius Borg Høiby is not part of the royal house, but an integral part of the family. Here he is with his mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepfather Crown Prince Haakon. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB Marius Borg Høiby was arrested in August and charged with bodily harm and damage. Beyond the autumn, the charges have been extended to include, among other things, abuse in close relationships and rape without intercourse. In a public written statement, Høiby himself admitted to the use of violence in alcohol and cocaine intoxication. However, he does not plead guilty to the conditions for which he is later charged. Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett have made headlines several times in the past year. It caused strong reactions when they chose to sell the photo rights to the wedding to the British celebrity magazine Hello Magazine and to Netflix. The king’s daughter also launched a gin ahead of the wedding, which the Norwegian Directorate of Health concluded violated the Alcohol Act and the ban on alcohol advertising. Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett had their own gin made for their wedding in Geiranger this summer. Here they are at the launch in June. Photo: Helge Mikalsen / VG Support for the monarchy “stable low” At the same time that many people have taken a more negative view of the royal house, support for the monarchy remains stable. 64 percent of the people now say they support the monarchy. The margin of error on this question is +/- 3.6 in this December survey. In the last opinion poll in September, support for the monarchy was at a record low. Then 62 percent answered that they support the monarchy. It was the lowest turnout Norstat had ever measured for news. DN commentator Eva Grinde is surprised that support for the monarchy remains stable. Photo: news – On a Norwegian scale, we can say that support is now stably low – that the monarchy is as strong now as it was when it was at its lowest point in September, says Grinde. – At the same time, it is worth noting that support has not continued to decline, even in this period. I think it says something about how strong the monarchy is after all in Norway. And the turnout is still high compared to other European countries. The Royal House does not wish to comment on this matter. – We don’t usually comment on opinion polls, says communications manager Guri Varpe at the Palace. Published 14.12.2024, at 10.18
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