So, you want to know about Princess Martha Louise’s first husband? Grab a cup of tea (or something stronger), because this is a story that’s equal parts fairy tale and reality TV. We’re talking about Ari Behn, the man who married a real-life princess and then wrote a book about it. Buckle up.
The Guy Who Walked Into a Palace (and Made It Chill)
Ari Behn wasn’t your typical prince. He was a writer, an artist, and a guy with a bit of a rockstar vibe. Imagine showing up to a royal dinner in a leather jacket while everyone else is in tuxedos. That was Ari, and honestly, the Norwegian royals seemed to love it.
He met Princess Martha Louise at a party in 1999. The story goes he was very confident, cracking jokes and not treating her like a VIP. She was apparently charmed by his audacity—because who wouldn’t be? They got engaged in 2001, and the wedding in 2002 was a massive deal.
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The wedding was so iconic that people still talk about the dress. Martha Louise wore a simple, elegant gown, and Ari wore a… white suit? Yes, a white suit. He looked like he was about to host a yacht party, but in the best way possible.
The "Normal" Royal Marriage
Here’s where it gets fun: Ari wasn’t afraid to be un-royal. He wrote a book of short stories called “From the Heart to the Table” (or something similar—famous writers, right?). He talked openly about his struggles with mental health and depression. That’s a big deal for any public figure, let alone a royal spouse.
They had three adorable daughters together: Maud Angelica, Leah Isadora, and Emma Tallulah. Those names alone suggest a household that valued creativity over tradition. The family seemed happy, with photos of them skiing and laughing—very Hyggelig.
But, like many fairy tales, the story got complicated. Ari and Martha Louise announced their separation in 2016, after 14 years of marriage. The statement was classy: they said they remained good friends and co-parents. No drama, just vibes.
The Post-Royal Life (Spoiler: It Got Wild)
After the divorce, Ari Behn did something that made headlines worldwide. He wrote a novel called “Inferno” (yes, really). And it was… let’s say “loosely based” on his marriage. He included a character who was a princess with a questionable taste in lovers. Oof.
Princess Märtha Louise Of Norway, Through The Years
He also gave an interview where he said the royal family was “cold” and that he felt like an outsider. Pro tip: Don’t call your ex-in-laws cold when your ex is literally a princess. But Ari didn’t care. He was an artist, and artists push boundaries.
He even went on a Norwegian reality show called “Mesternes Mester” (Champion of Champions), where former athletes compete. Ari, who was not an athlete, joined anyway. He was hilariously bad at sports but gave it his all. The guy had no fear.
The Sad Twist (and Why We’re Still Talking About Him)
Tragically, Ari Behn died by suicide in 2019, at the age of 47. It was a huge shock to everyone, including the royal family. King Harald gave a heartfelt speech, and Princess Martha Louise honored him with grace. The whole country mourned a man who was complicated, colorful, and unapologetically himself.
Here’s the thing: Ari wasn’t perfect. He was messy, he overshared, and he probably embarrassed the palace more than once. But he also broke the mold of what a royal partner should be. He made the monarchy feel human.
And let’s be real—no one remembers the boring royal husbands. We remember the guy who showed up in a white suit, wrote spicy novels, and cried on national TV. That’s a legacy.
Who was Princess Martha Louise’s first husband? All about author Ari
What We Learned from Ari Behn
So, what’s the takeaway from this whirlwind? First, don’t marry a princess if you hate the spotlight. Second, if you do marry a princess, at least have fun with it. Ari Behn had more fun in one decade than most people have in a lifetime.
He taught us that you can be royal-adjacent without losing your edge. You can be a dad, a writer, a rebel, and a mess—and still be loved. Especially by your kids. His daughters are now talented artists and activists, carrying his creative torch.
And let’s not forget the Princess herself. Martha Louise is now engaged to a shaman named Durek Verrett, a man who talks about “reconnecting with ancestors” and sells mystical medallions. Compared to that, Ari Behn seems almost normal. But that’s a story for another day.
Final thought: Life is weird, messy, and sometimes ends too soon. But Ari Behn lived out loud. He married a princess, wrote controversial books, and made us all laugh, cringe, and cry. That’s not a bad way to be remembered.
So here’s to you, Ari. You were the most interesting royal spouse Norway ever had. And honestly? The palace has never been quite as fun since you left. Skål, friend.