A Rare Interview Gives Us An Insight Into The Life And Loves Of A Thoroughly Modern Royal
Princess Martha Louise of Norway

Norway's Princess Martha Louise, daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, belongs to one of the simplest monarchies in the world. The royal family, which enjoys massive popularity and public support, is so pared-down that only the king and queen, and their two children are on the royal payroll--although the family will be expanding slightly now that Crown Prince Haakon is engaged.

In this rare interview Martha Louise, who turned 29 in September, gives us an interesting insight into the world of the young modern royal.

Your Highness, can you tell us what it is like being a princess in the year 2000?

"I can't compare it with any other era, because I'm living here and now. As a royal you always know what you're going to do with your life, unlike many people. And being a princess gives you some wonderful experiences--you meet people and see things which other's can't. I was lucky to grow up in Norway, which has a pretty liberal society and there isn't much division between Norwegians and the royal family."

When did you realise that your life was different from that of other children?

"I can't remember any particular day when I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm different from everyone else!' But I did realise fairly early on that my brother and I would have to go through quite a lot in our lives.

"Photographers have been a part of our lives from the moment we were taken home from the hospital. My friends didn't have family photo shoots every year with professional photographers in the way that we did. And I remember that my first day at school was very different--the press used to follow me and my parents to school all the time, which was something that didn't happen to any of the other kids. You begin to realise these things as you grow into the situation."

How would you describe yourself?

"I think I'm quite straightforward and that I've got a good sense of humour. I try to make people around me feel at ease and I try to be honest with myself and those I'm with. I've never tried to be something I'm not. If that's not good enough, tough! I'm pretty sporty and like the outdoor life."

Lots of little girls dream of becoming a princess and meeting Prince Charming. What does a real princess dream of?

"When I was a little girl I used to read a lot of fairytales and folklore and the images were the same for me as for other children, except that I was a princess. But I didn't feel like a fairytale princess and I had the same dream of wanting to be the princess in the story who was carried off by a handsome prince. Unfortunately, no one's turned up on a white charger yet!"

Could Prince Charming be a regular guy? Is a princess free to hang around with anyone she wants to?

"Yes, more or less. Since we don't have an aristocracy anymore, it's easier to meet people from right across the social spectrum."

What characteristics do you find attractive in the opposite sex?

"I think a solid relationship needs good communication. If there's mutual respect then things can be very positive, even if the two people are very different. And I think it's important for both people to have a similar sense of humour."

Is it hard for young men to find the courage to ask a princess out on a date?

"I don't know. No, I don't think so. I go to parties with friends like anyone else. I go to the cinema and out to restaurants. I have a totally normal life. Well, not totally, but even so..."

Do you have any particular boyfriend?

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't."

Your brother, Crown Prince Haakon, has found love with Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby and Norway has accepted the fact that she already has a three-year-old son from a previous relationship. How do you feel about your brother's romance?

"I think it's wonderful that my brother has found someone he truly loves."

Royal marriages seem to be becoming more tumultuous recently, with more of them ending in divorce. Can you think of any reason for that?

"That's a difficult question. I don't know, I don't know all the details of those relationships. I believe it is important to marry for love, not just for status.

"It's a hard life--you're so much in the public eye all the time and that can place stress on both you as an individual and on your relationship. But, at the end of the day, maybe there isn't that much difference between people in general and royalty when it comes to personal matters."

When it comes to choosing a life companion, will you be able to choose with your heart, like Prince Haakon has?

"Yes, with my heart and bearing in mind my role in life. I can't separate one from the other."

Can you also follow the dictates of your heart in your professional life?

"Yes, without a doubt. I studied literature for a year and a half and I reached a certain level of expertise in horsemanship in Britain. Here in Norway I have completed a physiotherapy course and I did my practical in Holland. I've been abroad quite a lot and it's been good for me. You get a better perspective on things, which you can't do by staying in your own country."

How important are horses to you?

"Riding meant a lot to me when I was growing up because I didn't feel judged by animals. I felt I could be totally me and the horses accepted me. Taking part in competition made me feel very much myself, too. If I was good I was good. If I wasn't, then tough luck, but it was my own fault. I found that it was good for me to be in competitive situations, because I'm a very competitive person."

Are you glad you're not the heir to the throne?

"My brother has one role as the heir and I have another. That's how we've been brought up. As a princess I have more freedom to do things that I find interesting and worthwhile. For example, my commitment to abandoned children, both here and abroad, is extremely important to me. As a princess I can really develop that kind of involvement."

You do a lot of humanitarian work. Describe a typical day for us.

"That's hard, because I don't have typical days. If I am here in the palace we have meetings and discussions, and with the constant flow of guests there are always strategies to be planned. When I say all this, I realise it sounds very empty, so let's take an example. I might be lending a hand at a rehabilitation centre for people disabled by spinal injuries, heart disease, strokes and so on. Then I could go on to a service in the chapel and then on to a reception. Now, after this interview, I'm going to inaugurate an exhibition of art by disabled people. Every day is different."

Has your upbringing prepared you for all the challenges?

"Not all of them. I don't think anyone's ever entirely prepared for life's challenges. You have to meet them as they come up."

What are the advantages of being a princess?

"Advantages? You have an awful lot of experiences, you meet a lot of interesting people. And, for me, the most important thing is that I hope to be able to make a positive contribution to my country. Sometimes it's easier for me than for others to gain access to certain things. That privilege has to be used in a positive way."

How do you see your future?

"One thing I'd really like is to get married and have children. That would be a big change!"

Are you happy with who you are and your role in life?

"Now I am, yes. You're asking me that at a very good moment in my life. If you'd asked me a few years ago, you wouldn't have got the same answer. I've accepted my position, my situation in life and how to handle it all, which is great. I feel really good about it."

Picture caption: A trained physiotherapist, keen horsewoman and campaigner for humanitarian causes, 29-year-old Martha Louise says she has finally come to terms with her royal status and is happy with her life. Currently presenting a children's TV series featuring the Norwegian fairytales she loves so much, Martha Louise looks forward to marriage and children of her own one day. But, she says, so far no Prince Charming has ridden up on a white charger to whisk her away.

--Interview & Co-ordination: Elisa Kullander.
Hello!
Number 642 December 19, 2000
pp. 98-99