(Kid’s Corner)

Princess Martha Louise is the only daughter of

King Harald V and Queen Sonja. She was born on September

22, 1971 in Oslo, Norway. Currently, she is fourth in line

of succession to the Norwegian throne, after her brother

Crown Prince Haakon and his daughter Princess Ingrid

Alexandra and his son Prince Sverre Magnus, Martha’s

niece and nephew. Since she is the great-great

the throne of England.

In 1990 the Norwegian constitution was altered, granting

the eldest child, regardless of gender, precedence to the

line of succession. But unlike Sweden; it was not done

retroactively- which means that the princess’ younger

brother is still in front of her in the line of succession.

Princess Martha Louise is a certified physiotherapist. She

received her education in Oslo and did her internship in

Maastricht, the Netherlands. However she isn’t

practicing her profession. With her love of music and

Norwegian folk tales, she established her own

commercial entertainment business. She gives public and

televised performances reciting folk tales and singing

with well-known Norwegian choirs. In December 2003,

she took part in the Oslo Gospel Choir’s Christmas

concert, and performed a solo!

On January 1, 2002 after starting her own business,

Princess Martha started paying income tax. After the

King consulted her, he issued a royal edict which

removed Princess Martha Louise’s style of Royal

Highness. She is still called Highness when abroad.

Though her activities were reduced, she still carries out

some public duties on behalf of the King.

She married Ari Behn on May 24, 2002. Her first

daughter Maud Angelica Behn was born on April 29,

2003. Her second daughter, Leah Isadora Behn was born

on April 8. 2005.

In October 2004, Princess Martha Louise, her husband

and children moved to New York City. Also in 2004 her

first book “Why Kings and Queens Don’t Wear Crowns”

was released.

I think Princess Martha Louise is a great role model for

young females, like myself. She was brave enough to

start her own business, and was willing to give up her

Royal Highness style to do her thing. I hope one day that

I can meet her.

By Heritage Member, Irene Davis, 12 years old.