Princess Martha Louise officially announced her engagement to established writer Ari Behn on Thursday, alternately fighting back tears and bubbling with laughter. “Here is the man who makes me sparkle,” she said. “He brings out the best in me.” The two are set to walk down the aisle at the famed Nidaros Cathedral on May 24, less than a year after her younger brother Crown Prince Haakon wed Mette-Marit.
“I am sorry for all those who are sick and tired of royal weddings because here comes another one,” joked the 30-year-old princess. There is no word on where the two will settle after the spring festivities, though the couple will likely chose a rural locale.
Ben, whose 1999 book Trist Som Faen, or Sad As Hell, was celebrated by critics and readers alike in his native Norway, will not receive the title of prince, reports Martha Louise. The status has never in the past been awarded to the husband of a princess.
The couple were first linked early this year, though Ari, a member of the young bohemian elite, was viewed as something of a controversial choice. Comments the 29-year-old had made in a TV documentary seemed to condone the use of illegal drugs. However, he has refused to make apologies for his past, saying that what’s been written about him will have to remain “second-hand information”.
It seems the royal family has paid little mind to the talk and have embraced the princess’ fiancé whole heartedly. Ari was a guest at Haakon and Mette-Marit’s Oslo Cathedral wedding ceremony, though he did not attend the dinner afterwards, and also accompanied Martha Louise to Mette-Marit’s 28th birthday festivities.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
