Princess of Norway Märtha Louise Addresses Allegations She’s in a “Lavender Marriage”
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway has found herself at the center of controversy after allegations surfaced suggesting that her marriage to her husband, Ari Behn, was not as it appeared. The rumors, which have been circulating for some time, claim that the couple’s relationship was a “lavender marriage”—a term used to describe a marriage between two people of the opposite sex, where one or both partners are gay or bisexual but maintain the marriage for social, political, or other reasons.
In a rare and candid statement, Princess Märtha Louise has now addressed these allegations, seeking to clarify the situation and dispel what she calls “hurtful misconceptions.” The Princess, who is the eldest daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, has always lived under the scrutiny of both royal and public life. Yet this particular controversy has shed light on her personal life in a way that many of her supporters—and critics—didn’t expect.
For years, Märtha Louise’s marriage to Ari Behn was a subject of public fascination. The couple married in 2002, and their relationship seemed like a fairytale, with the Princess and Behn frequently appearing together at royal events, smiling for the cameras, and supporting each other in their various endeavors. Behn, an author and artist, was a popular figure in Norway, known for his outspoken nature and his unique artistic vision. Together, they had three daughters, and their family appeared to be the picture of happiness.
However, behind the public facade, things weren’t always as perfect as they seemed. In 2016, Behn publicly acknowledged that he had struggled with mental health issues, including depression, and it was no secret that his relationship with the Princess had its ups and downs. This, however, did not prepare the public for the shocking news in 2019 when Behn and Märtha Louise announced their separation.
The separation, though amicable, was accompanied by even more intense speculation about the true nature of their marriage. Was it really as happy as they made it seem? Could the couple have stayed together for other reasons beyond love? The rumors of a “lavender marriage” started to gain traction, especially in the context of Behn’s public struggles with his sexuality.
In her statement, Princess Märtha Louise vehemently denied the claims, insisting that she and Behn had shared a genuine love for one another, and their separation was a decision made with mutual respect. “Ari and I were partners in every sense of the word, and we had a loving marriage,” she said. “We were open and honest with each other, and there were no secrets. I want to make it clear that these rumors about our relationship are completely false.”
While Princess Märtha Louise has always been open about her desire to live her life independently of royal constraints, the intense scrutiny she faces as a member of the Norwegian royal family means that her every move is watched. The allegations of a “lavender marriage” are part of the broader pressure that comes with being a royal figure in the modern world, where public interest in the private lives of public figures is relentless.
Despite the speculation, Märtha Louise continues to support the legacy of her family and maintain a strong bond with her children, with Behn, too, always remaining a respected figure in their lives, despite the separation. Though the allegations about their marriage may never fully disappear, Märtha Louise has made it clear that her family’s happiness, love, and well-being remain her top priorities.
The Princess’s response to the lavender marriage allegations underscores a broader discussion about the pressures of living under the royal microscope. As Märtha Louise continues to navigate her personal life in the public eye, the legacy of her marriage to Ari Behn will no doubt remain an important chapter in her journey.
