Princess Märtha Louise

Princess Märtha Louise. She is the only daughter of Harald V of Norway and Sonja of Norway, and the elder sister of Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway. Though retaining her royal title, she has pursued a career outside traditional royal duties, which has occasionally generated public discussion regarding the role of modern royalty in Norway. Her work in alternative therapies and the arts has positioned her as a distinctive figure within the Norwegian Royal Family.

Early life and education

Born at Rikshospitalet in Oslo, she was named after her paternal grandmother, Märtha of Sweden, and her paternal great-grandmother, Louise of the Netherlands. Her early education took place at Smestad skole before she attended the Kristelig Gymnasium in the capital. Following her secondary education, she studied English literature at the University of Oxford for a period before returning to Norway. She later completed a degree in physiotherapy from the University of Oslo, qualifying as a state-authorised practitioner. Her upbringing included extensive exposure to the official duties of the Norwegian Royal Family, accompanying her parents on state visits and public engagements from a young age.

Marriage and family

On 24 May 2002, she married author Ari Behn in a civil ceremony at Oslo City Hall, followed by a religious blessing in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The union was attended by numerous European royals, including Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. The couple had three daughters: Maud Angelica Behn, Leah Isadora Behn, and Emma Tallulah Behn. In 2016, the couple announced their separation, and their divorce was finalized in 2017. Tragically, Ari Behn died by suicide in 2019. Following her divorce, she entered a relationship with Durek Verrett, an American shaman and spiritual guide, which has been a subject of significant media attention.

Professional activities and controversies

Stepping back from official royal duties in 2002, she established herself as an author and entrepreneur. She founded the alternative therapy school Astarte Education, which offered courses in angel communication and energy healing, drawing criticism from some scientific and media circles. Her collaboration with Elisabeth Samnøy on the book *Soul Properties* and her public discussions of clairvoyance have further fueled debate. Her partnership with Durek Verrett has been particularly controversial, leading to statements from the Norwegian Royal House clarifying that Verrett does not represent the monarchy. These activities have prompted discussions in outlets like Dagbladet and VG about the boundaries between personal belief and public role.

Royal duties and public role

Despite her independent career, she undertakes a limited number of official engagements, often focusing on areas of personal interest such as culture, health, and disability advocacy. She serves as patron for organizations including the Norwegian Association of the Disabled and the Martha Louise Foundation, which supports arts and culture. She has represented the Norwegian Royal Family at events like the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and commemorations for Norwegian War Sailors. Her role is formally distinct from the working members of the royal family, a status clarified by the Royal Court following her decision to pursue commercial ventures.

Personal life and interests

An accomplished equestrian, she has participated in national competitions and is a patron of the Norwegian Equestrian Federation. She is also a trained singer, having performed publicly and released music, showcasing her interest in the performing arts. Her spiritual pursuits, including studies in meditation and various New Age practices, form a central part of her public identity. She resides primarily in Lommedalen and maintains a close relationship with her parents, Harald V of Norway and Sonja of Norway, and her brother, Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, often appearing with them during major family events like Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations.

Category:Norwegian princesses Category:House of Glücksburg Category:People from Oslo