Crown Princess Mette-Marit showed up for her new job at 10am sharp on Monday, ready to begin her two-day-a-week post at the Directorate For Norwegian Development Aid (NORAD).
The 31-year-old princess, a one-time student at the London School of Oriental and African Studies, says she'll "concentrate on the HIV/AIDS question in Southern Africa" during her stint with the organisation.
But Monday also brought some not-so-happy news for Princess Mette-Marit and her family. Following a court case which began last month, the princess' oldest brother, Espen Hoiby, was sentenced to 60 days in jail for assaulting his former girlfriend. The pilot, recently promoted to chief at a major airline, was also ordered to pay the 40-year-old victim $5,300.
Mr Hoiby's defence attorney had argued that a number of factors – including the stress of his new job, his sister's fame and family tensions – had contributed to his client's mental state, but denied he'd deliberately hurt his girlfriend. The 44-year-old, whose mother testified on his behalf during the trial, has filed an appeal.
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