Princess Martha Louise of Norway has announced that she is separating from her husband, Ari Behn, after 14 years of marriage. In a candid statement, the 44-year-old opened up about their decision to divorce, saying "there is nothing more we can do."
The daughter of King Harald of Norway, who tied the knot with Ari in a lavish ceremony in Trondheim, Norway back in May 2002, said: "Life does not always go smoothly. Both Ari and I have experienced this…These days we were mainly apart. We are ending the marriage but we are remaining together in parenthood.
The couple have announced plans to divorce after 14 years of marriage
"We have tried everything for a long time and we still cannot be where we were before, making it impossible for us to continue. We feel guilty because we are no longer able to create the safe harbour that our children deserve. But we hope and believe that we will manage to hold on to friendship through what lies ahead."
The couple share three daughters together; Maud Angelica, 13, Leah Isadora, 11, and Emma Tallulah, seven, and have confirmed that they plan to share custody of the children.
The couple tied the knot in 2002
Princess Martha Louise's statement focused on them as she wrote: "We pray and hope that we get peace in this sensitive process. Children need time to digest, grieve and find new footing – each one separately. We are just people, too."
The King and Queen of Norway also spoke about the split, and that they wish to remain on good terms with Ari. They said: "There are many who are affected when a marriage is dissolved. It is painful and sad – also for us standing around. We are happy with Ari and we are grateful for all that we as a family have experienced together. We want a good relationship with Ari."