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Norway

King Harald reacts to the death of his former son-in-law Ari Behn

King Harald of Norway has released a short statement following the death of his former son-in-law Ari Behn.

The statement has been released on behalf of both His Majesty and Queen Sonja, in which Harald reflects on his sadness at the news.

His Majesty said: “It is with great sadness that the Queen and I have received the message of Ari Behn’s passing. 

“Ari has been an important part of our family for many years, and we carry warm, fond memories of him.

Crown Prince Haakon and his family have also released a statement expressing their sadness.

The tribute reads: “For us, Ari was a good friend, a dear family member and a wonderful uncle, with whom we shared many of life’s small and big moments. It is with great sadness that we have received the message of his passing away.”

Ari Behn married Princess Märtha in Nidaros Cathedral in 2002 and divorced 15 years later in 2017.

Their first daughter, Maud Angelica, was born in 2003, and their second daughter Leah Isadora came to the world in 2005. The couple’s third daughter, Emma Tallulah, was born in 2008.

Royal Central’s Senior Europe Correpondent in Oslo, Oskar Aanmoen reports that the news has come as a huge shock to the Norwegian people, with all TV channels and newspapers leading on the story.