In the midst of the digital era, gestures on social media can say much more than words. One of those subtle yet eloquent gestures can be found on the official Instagram profile of the Norwegian Royal House, led by Prince Haakon. The future Norwegian sovereign has just sparked an international conflict due to a detail involving King Felipe that crosses borders.
Relations between both institutions have always been correct and diplomatic, which is why Prince Haakon's decision draws attention. Mette-Marit's husband distances himself from other European royal houses and forges his own path in the digital era.
Prince Haakon and his unexpected gesture with King Felipe
European royal houses have entered the digital universe to bring their monarchies closer to the public. Little by little, they have opened their official profiles, gaining followers and serving as a benchmark to strengthen ties. In King Felipe's case, he has seen how Prince Haakon of Norway has made an unexpected gesture toward the Spanish monarchy.
In Norway, they have taken a stand against Felipe and his family by choosing not to follow the Spanish Royal House on Instagram. This detail has caught the attention of some European royalty observers. Especially because royal houses usually keep close ties, cooperation, and a shared image.
Through their social media, they usually congratulate each other on special occasions, appear together during official visits, or simply follow each other as a symbol of institutional cordiality. However, King Felipe's absence from Prince Haakon's Instagram radar doesn't go unnoticed.
King Felipe does follow the Norwegian royal family. From the official Royal House account, it is clear that they follow @detnorskekongehus, which is the official profile of the Norwegian monarchy. That follow has not been reciprocated and, as of today, Prince Haakon's house doesn't follow the Bourbons.
This gesture has drawn attention, especially among those who analyze symbolic gestures between European royal houses. Instagram may not define monarchical diplomacy, but it does reflect, in part, how certain details of public image are kept. Meanwhile, in this case, the message Norway sends seems clear: Zarzuela is not on their list of digital priorities.
Prince Haakon follows his own policy with King Felipe
The most striking thing is that other royal houses are on the list of accounts followed by the Norwegian royal family. There, for example, appear the British monarchy and the Danish royal house, with whom they have very close historical and personal ties. But there is no sign of King Felipe.
The big question that arises is: what is the reason for this absence? The possible explanations are varied. On one hand, it could simply be a strategic decision, which doesn't necessarily imply a lack of cordiality between both royal houses. On the other hand, Prince Haakon keeps a more selective policy regarding the accounts he follows on social media.
There is also the possibility that it is an error or omission. King Felipe authorized the opening of the official Spanish Royal House account in June 2024. So it is possible that it was simply overlooked due to the hustle and bustle that comes with a public institution.
It is worth remembering that Prince Haakon and King Felipe share a generation, responsibilities, and context. Both are modern figures within monarchies that have had to adapt to new times. However, regarding interaction on social media, there seems to be a notable distance.
In the world of institutional communication, every gesture carries weight. Not following a counterpart is not necessarily an affront, but it is a signal. The fact that Prince Haakon doesn't follow King Felipe on Instagram gives rise to all kinds of interpretations.