Norway’s King Harald issued a rare statement on Wednesday in response to a series of controversial comments made by Princess Martha Louise’s fiancé Ari Behn. The king clarified Behn’s future role, reportedly hoping to distance the politically neutral royal family from the author’s criticism of US policy which featured in a documentary on Afghan culture.
Ari, who walks down the aisle in May, will apparently not speak for the royal family on such matters. “He will only seldom accompany the princess at official functions,” King Harald said, stressing that Martha Louise would continue to represent the royals on her own.
The king’s future son-in-law, a popular author and member of the young bohemian elite, was reportedly satisfied with the official statement.
Many felt that Ari’s comments, in which he suggested that many Norwegians didn’t agree with US President George Bush’s policies, threatened Norway’s neutrality. “Remarks which now sow doubts about Norway’s official attitude are very unfortunate,” offered law professor Carl August.
Ari has previously expressed his intentions to keep writing and adding to the public debate. However, most agree his new role requires a bit of care and temperance. “It is evident that he is identified with the Norwegian royal house and he has greatly reduced his freedom to have opinions about domestic or foreign issues,” says Conservative MP Inge Lonning.
The documentary, which received a lashing from critics for its questionable quality, aired on Norway’s TV2 on Wednesday night.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
