Born on 22 September 1971 at The National Hospital in Oslo, Princess Märtha Louise is the eldest child of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. Despite her royal status, she does not maintain a public role and operates outside the official royal house, pursuing a career defined by alternative therapy and independent commercial ventures.
Constitutional Status and Line of Succession
At the time of her birth, Märtha Louise held no inheritance rights to the Norwegian throne due to male-only primogeniture. The constitution changed in 1990, granting succession rights to the eldest child. While this alteration technically included her, her younger brother, Haakon Magnus, maintained precedence. Consequently, she remains in the line of succession but has faced ongoing public pressure to relinquish her royal title.
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Her academic background includes attendance at Smestad skole, Kristelig Gymnasium, and Bjørknes Private School. She trained as a physiotherapist, completing studies in Oslo and an internship in Maastricht, Netherlands. Beyond clinical practice, she established a commercial entertainment business focused on oral literature, performing folk tales and collaborating with Norwegian choirs.
Alternative Therapy and Commercial Ventures
Märtha Louise shifted toward holistic practices, founding an alternative therapy centre known as Astarte Education. The school provided instruction on healing, readings, and angels. She has faced scrutiny for using her royal title in these commercial capacities, leading to a 2019 announcement that she would cease using the designation 'Princess' for her private business activities.
Public Representation and Awards
Throughout her life, she has received numerous international honors, including the Knight of the Order of the Elephant and the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry. In 2022, she relinquished remaining official royal duties to focus exclusively on her alternative medicine work. She remains a member of the Church of Norway.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 September 1971, Rikshospitalet
- Parents: King Harald V and Queen Sonja
- Education: University of Oxford, Waterstock House Training Centre
- First Marriage: Ari Behn, 2002-2017
- Second Marriage: Durek Verrett
- Fields of Interest: Remote viewing and oral literature
- Recognitions: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Olav
- Religion: Church of Norway
Questions readers ask
Is Princess Märtha Louise still in line for the Norwegian throne?
Yes, she retains her position in the line of succession following the constitutional amendment of 1990.
Does she use her title for her commercial work?
She committed to stop using the title for business purposes in 2019, though she has faced continued criticism for its usage in interviews and appearances.
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