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European Royals

Shock as little-known royal signs up for Strictly Come Dancing

Princess Martha, Leah Behn

King Harald V’s granddaughter Leah Isadora Behn is set to take to the dancefloor after signing up for Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 21-year-old has confirmed that she will appear on the forthcoming series of Skal vi danse, which translates as Shall We Dance?

The Norwegian show is part of the international Dancing with the Stars franchise and is one of the country’s popular reality television competitions.

Leah announced the news on Instagram, sharing an official portrait from the show in which she posed in a sleeveless baby-blue ballgown while sitting on a disco ball.

“SUPRISE!!!! denne høsten blir crazy,” she wrote, which translates as: “SURPRISE!!!! This fall will be crazy.”

Leah is the second daughter of Princess Märtha Louise and the late Norwegian author Ari Behn, making her a granddaughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja.

She and her two sisters, Maud Angelica and Emma Tallulah Behn, do not hold royal titles and are not working members of the Norwegian Royal Family.

Maud Angelica, 23, is an artist, while Emma Tallulah, 17, is an accomplished showjumper.

Leah has previously pursued a career as a model and influencer and is already familiar with appearing on Norwegian television.

She took part in Norway’s version of The Traitors last year, although she did not win the competition.

Her latest television appearance will see her take on a very different challenge as she learns ballroom and Latin dances alongside a professional partner.

Leah’s stepfather, Shaman Durek Verrett, who married Märtha Louise in 2024, congratulated her after she announced the news.

“So proud of you angel,” he wrote, sharing her announcement on his Instagram story and describing her as his “beautiful bonus daughter”.

Leah’s mother relinquished her official royal duties in 2022 so that she could pursue business activities, including work connected with alternative therapies.

Märtha Louise remains a member of the Norwegian Royal Family but no longer carries out official duties on behalf of the monarchy.

The princess married Verrett in a three-day wedding ceremony in Norway in August 2024.

Leah’s appearance on Skal vi danse will give royal watchers another chance to see the young member of Norway’s extended royal family in the spotlight as she takes on one of the country’s biggest entertainment shows.

The new series is due to air in Norway this autumn.

About author

Charlie Proctor has been a royal correspondent for over a decade, and has provided his expertise to countless organisations, including the BBC, CBC, and national and international publications.