Behind the fairytale photographs and the picture-perfect family, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway have insisted that they are just "normal people". The royal couple were speaking in a rare, frank interview to national newspaper Dagbladet. Haakon and Mette-Marit, who are parents to Princess Ingrid, Prince Sverre and Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship Marius, said that just like every other parent, they share the same worries. "We're normal and vulnerable people," said Haakon, 41, in the joint interview with his wife.
Prince Haakon of Norway praised his wife Mette-Marit's ability to connect with people
"When I have problems, I breathe deeply and think, 'I'm just having a bad day,'" he said. "And then I'll start afresh the next day, bearing in mind that it's a new day." The future king, however, added that he wasn't faced with constant difficulties in the royal palace, thanks to his doting wife of 13 years. "Mette has this great talent of connecting with people, so that they open up and feel good," said Haakon. "Her empathy is a talent. The same thing happens with the children. If they have problems, they go to her. She knows how to deal with them well."
Prince Haakon of Norway said that he and Mette-Marit were 'vulnerable' people with worries
The mum-of-three returned her husband's compliments, saying: "Thanks Haakon but that isn't completely true. The children also go to you asking for advice and help." Mette, also 41, added that she turns to her prince in her most difficult times. When asked about what the most important things in life were, Haakon – who previously said "there is good in everyone" – reaffirmed this idea. "Relationships are, and believing that there is good in this world," he said. "Human beings are very complex. We can be optimistic and pessimistic, so it's about finding those positive aspects within ourselves to be the best we can be." "Before I say something negative, I think twice," agreed Mette-Marit. "You don't have to focus on the negative. It's better to concentrate on the good things."