While the rest of her family was quick to offer non-answers on their opinions of the contents of Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verett’s controversial Netflix documentary, Queen Sonja was forthright with why she still hasn’t seen it when asked by reporters.
The Norwegian queen, in Fjaler to visit the UWC Red Cross Nordic over the weekend, told the Norwegian national broadcaster, NRK, that she has not seen Royal Rebels: An Unlikely Love Story because “I was in the mountains, and there was absolutely no connection. So I can’t say anything about that.”
Unlike her husband, King Harald, and her son, Crown Prince Haakon, both of whom have publicly commented after seeing the documentary, Queen Sonja still has not watched it. But she said she’s aware of the controversy surrounding the couple’s commercial ventures in relation to the Norwegian Royal House.
“I think we have to take the time to help. That’s the only thing,” Queen Sonja said. “Make a clear distinction between what is our task as a royal house, and the difference over Märtha and Durek’s professional lives.”
Queen Sonja also said that she’s been touched by the support of the Norwegian public for the royals in the aftermath of the documentary, which released earlier this month on the streaming service.
“I feel that there is a great warmth coming from people. And that makes us very grateful. It is very, very nice,” she said.
Queen Sonja’s comments echo those of her husband and son, both of whom have said discussions with Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verett are happening to draw a clearer distinction between their commercial ventures and the Norwegian Royal Family.
Netflix was forced to edit out a clip of Crown Prince Haakon speaking with his new brother-in-law after the Norwegian Royal Court learned that it had been included in the documentary. The royals did not want to participate in any media surrounding Princess Märtha Louise’s wedding if the opportunity was not open to all outlets; as such, the conversation needed to be removed.
King Harald told NRK last week that his daughter won’t lose her title over the documentary, though a solution must be reached, as they’re all family who will have “to live together for the rest of our lives.”
Crown Prince Haakon told the broadcaster that “We want there to be a clearer distinction between the activities of the Royal House and Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett’s projects and commercial activities. And I hope we can achieve that a little better.”
Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verett were married in August 2024. The royal stepped down from her patronages and promised to stop using her title in 2022 following discussions with the palace.
