Märtha Louise of Norway

Märtha Louise of Norway
Name	Märtha Louise of Norway
Birth date	22 September 1971
Birth place	Trondheim, Norway
House	House of Glücksburg
Father	Harald V of Norway
Mother	Sonja
Religion	Church of Norway

Märtha Louise of Norway is a Norwegian royal, writer, and alternative therapy entrepreneur known for blending traditional royal duties with private enterprises in spirituality and wellness; she is the only daughter of Harald V of Norway and Queen Sonja of Norway and a member of the Norwegian royal family. Her public roles have intersected with institutions such as the Norwegian monarchy, Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, University of Oslo circles, and international cultural organizations, generating attention across Norway, Europe, and the United States. Her activities span published works, entrepreneurial ventures, and patronages tied to arts, health, and Sámi people visibility.

Early life and education

Born in Trondheim and raised at The Royal Palace, she is the eldest child of Harald V of Norway and Sonja and was baptized in Nidaros Cathedral alongside family members from the House of Glücksburg, with godparents including figures from the Swedish royal family, Danish royal family, and other European houses. Her schooling included attendance at Nannestad kommune schools, Kristiansand Cathedral School, and later higher education at institutions such as the University of Oslo and studies linked to Central Saint Martins and private courses associated with alternative medicine practitioners and equine therapy programs connected to Norwegian equestrian federations. During youth she engaged with organizations like UNICEF Norway, cultural initiatives connected to Norwegian Arts Council, and sports associations including Norwegian Equestrian Federation.

Role in the Norwegian royal family

As a granddaughter-turned-daughter of the reigning monarchy of Norway, she has performed official and ceremonial duties at events hosted by The Royal Palace, state visits involving delegations from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and represented the royal house at memorials like those for figures associated with World War II commemorations and Norwegian national day ceremonies on 17 May. Although not in the direct line of succession after changes in Norwegian constitution succession rules, she has maintained formal links to institutions such as the Norwegian Court and participates in patronage networks including museums like the National Museum (Norway), cultural festivals such as Oslo Jazz Festival, and humanitarian groups akin to Redd Barna.

Career and professional activities

Her career spans published books, public speaking, and running private ventures including a center for "alternative" therapies and workshops that have connected to markets in Oslo, Lofoten, New York City, and international wellness circuits; her enterprises have engaged with publishers, event organizers, and private clients from the arts and entertainment sectors. She has authored works appearing in catalogs connected to Scandinavian publishers and contributed forewords and commentary to projects linked with figures from Norwegian literature and contemporary art; collaborations have involved producers and media outlets such as the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and niche international platforms. Additionally, she has worked with equine therapy initiatives affiliated with equestrian clubs and charities partnering with organizations like SOS Children’s Villages and conservation groups operating in Scandinavia.

Controversies and public reception

Her promotion of spiritual mediums, alternative therapies, and commercial use of royal status has sparked debate involving commentators from Aftenposten, VG (Verdens Gang), Dagbladet, academics at University of Oslo, and members of the Norwegian Storting; critics have contrasted her activities with expectations upheld by constitutional provisions and royal precedent. Public controversies included disputes over use of the title "Princess" in private business, prompting responses from the Royal Court and discussions in legal contexts concerning trademark and title usage, and scrutiny from journalists and skeptics associated with Norwegian Skeptics (Foreningen Skepsis). Media coverage has ranged from supportive profiles appearing in lifestyle outlets to investigative pieces in national newspapers and televised debates on NRK and international programs.

Personal life and family

She married author and film director Ari Behn in a widely covered ceremony attended by royals from Europe; the couple had three daughters who are connected to the royal genealogical line alongside other descendants of Harald V of Norway. Following divorce from Ari Behn, she formed a partnership and later relationship with individuals active in alternative wellness and creative industries, attracting commentary from celebrity news outlets and cultural commentators. Her family engagements include patronage of charities, participation in cultural festivals featuring artists from Norway and Scandinavia, and involvement in initiatives supporting indigenous Sámi cultural visibility and equestrian programs.

Titles, honours and patronages

She holds honorifics associated with the House of Glücksburg (Norway) and has received honours from Norwegian institutions including awards and orders administered by the Royal Court; her patronages have included cultural institutions such as the National Museum (Norway), arts festivals like the Peer Gynt Festival, health-related charities akin to Redd Barna, and equine organizations connected to the Norwegian Equestrian Federation. International recognitions have involved invitations to state events in countries including Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, and she has links with humanitarian and cultural networks spanning Europe and North America.

Category:Norwegian royalty Category:House of Glücksburg (Norway) Category:1971 births Category:Living people