I find Haakon probably the best prepared heir in Norways royal history, with a big positive compared to his father and grandfather, he is not shy and is outgoing and has an easy way with press and public. Harald was painfully shy for quite a few years, and his good humour and easy way has come with age.
Haakon has been regent many times and for longer periodes and IMO done it well, I dont think any of his fellow heirs has had so much time as a regents as he has. He has done and hosted all types of events alone, state visits, opening of Stortinget new years speech, audiences, dinners and what not, in his fathers absences.
Even if his many events dont get so much attention he has events almost every day, often several.
Then there is a tradition in Norway to look sceptical at the heir: How could Olav take over from our first King. How could Harald follow the popular "Peoples king" and now Harald is probably at his height of popularity...lets just say it looks like we like our Kings quite old
What happens with his wife I dont know, but Haakon will stick to his role Im sure of it, the problem is the preassure that will fall on his dauthers shoulder next january when she turns 18, and she will more or less be the sole young female royal in Norway considering the probably limited role her mother will have.
