Princess Märtha Louise of Norway Is Older Than Her Brother, the New King Haakon, But an Outdated Rule Prevented Her Reign
Our take
The passing of King Harald V and the subsequent ascension of his son, Haakon, marks a significant moment for the Norwegian monarchy, but the story of Princess Märtha Louise, his older daughter, adds a layer of fascinating complexity. While she was born before Haakon, an outdated Norwegian law ensured he inherited the throne. This isn't simply a matter of birth order; it highlights the enduring weight of tradition and the subtle power dynamics within royal families, a theme we’ve seen echoed in other European houses. The complexities of royal succession continue to be a source of public interest, as evidenced by recent conversations surrounding Prince Harry’s return to England and the insights shared by his cousin, Lady Eliza Spencer Prince Harry’s Cousin Shares Thoughts on His “Exciting” Return and What Meghan Markle Might Be Able to Give Her Advice About. The rigid rules governing these transitions, often steeped in centuries of history, create situations that can feel both anachronistic and inherently unfair.
The situation with Princess Märtha Louise is particularly poignant given her own unique standing within the Norwegian royal family. She has, at times, courted controversy with her unconventional pursuits and beliefs, a stark contrast to the more traditional image cultivated by her parents and brother. This, combined with the inherent limitations placed upon her due to the succession laws, paints a picture of a woman navigating a complex identity within a system that doesn't fully embrace her. It’s also interesting to consider the parallel with the scrutiny faced by Queen Mette-Marit, who herself had a somewhat unconventional past before becoming queen Meet Norway's Controversial New Queen Mette-Marit, a Former Waitress Who Must Win Over the Public After Her Epstein Associations and Son's Rape Trial. Both women represent a shift away from the purely ceremonial role traditionally assigned to royal consorts and female members of royal families, and both have had to contend with public perception and the expectations that come with their positions. The public’s fascination with these figures underscores a broader cultural shift – a desire to see royal families reflect the complexities and realities of modern life, even as they uphold centuries of tradition.
The enduring relevance of these royal narratives speaks to our collective fascination with heritage, power, and the human stories behind the gilded facades. While the focus is often on the reigning monarch, stories like Märtha Louise’s serve as a reminder of the individuals who exist on the periphery, shaped by the same rules yet denied the same opportunities. It's a quiet commentary on the subtle biases embedded within institutions, and a reflection of how even in seemingly immutable systems, the winds of change are slowly, steadily blowing. Consider the deliberate curation of personal aesthetics and wellness that accompanies these narratives; the emphasis on self-care and intentional living—as explored in our recent piece on creating a fall beauty curriculum I Spent 2 Weeks Creating a Fall Beauty Curriculum—9 Expert-Approved Steps to Repair Your Skin, Hair, and Nails—mirrors a broader cultural trend towards prioritizing inner well-being and projecting an image of grounded confidence, even amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Ultimately, the case of Princess Märtha Louise compels us to consider the evolving role of royal families in the 21st century. As societies become increasingly egalitarian, the justification for archaic rules and traditions is constantly questioned. Will Norway, or other European monarchies, eventually reconsider laws governing succession to allow for greater inclusivity and reflect contemporary values? Or will the weight of history and tradition continue to dictate the line of succession, leaving some individuals forever on the outside looking in, a poignant reminder of the enduring power of the past? The subtle shifts in public opinion and the increasing visibility of individuals like Märtha Louise suggest that the conversation around royal succession is far from over.
Norway has a new king, Haakon VIII, after his father, King Harald V, died at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28. The late king, who sat on the throne since 1991, ruled alongside his wife, Queen Sonja, and the couple shared two children, Princess Märtha Louise and the now-King Haakon. But although Märtha Louise was their first child, it was her brother who was destined to wear the crown.
When the princess was born in 1971, she had no place in the line of succession, as the Norwegian constitution still stated that only male children could inherit the throne. When Haakon was born in 1973, he became his father’s heir.
In 1990—a year before Haakon’s grandfather, King Olav, died—the Norwegian constitution was changed to allow females to rule, even if a younger brother was born down the line. The new law gave Märtha Louise a place in the line of succession for the first time, but unlike Sweden—which made the same change and applied it retroactively—Norway did not, making Haakon the country’s future king.
However, King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit's first child, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, was born after 1990, meaning she will inherit the throne one day.
It seems Princess Märtha Louise has always been destined to walk her own path. King Harald’s eldest child is a controversial figure in Norway and has been widely criticized for her clairvoyant activities, along with her 2024 marriage to Hollywood shaman Durek Verrett.
Like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the two starred in a Netflix documentary about their unconventional royal romance titled Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story.
In 2019, the Norwegian royal court stated that Märtha Louise was no longer allowed to use her princess title in her business endeavors and in 2022, she stepped down from royal duties to focus on her commercial activities. However, she attends major family events, and will likely be on hand to support her brother during his transition as king.
Although Norway does not hold coronations, Haakon could choose to take part in a ceremony like his father did in 1991. The consecration at Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral is a formal church blessing of the new monarch, but Haakon would not have a crown placed on his head like King Charles.
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