Maud Angelica Behn, the 22-year-old granddaughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, made headlines over the weekend as she became the first member of the Norwegian royal family to come out publicly as queer. Her participation in Oslo’s Pride Parade and her open declaration of bisexuality mark a significant moment in the history of Norway’s monarchy, sending a message of inclusion, courage, and authenticity.
Maud Angelica Behn, the eldest daughter of Princess Märtha Louise and the late author Ari Behn, has always been known in Norway for her creativity and thoughtful public appearances. She has spoken in the past about mental health and grief, especially after her father’s tragic suicide in 2019. Now, by embracing her identity publicly during Pride Month, she is once again demonstrating emotional bravery and empathy, offering representation and visibility to many who may feel unseen or unsupported.
Taking to Instagram, Maud Angelica Behn shared joyful photos of herself donning brightly colored outfits—likely mirroring the rainbow flag—accompanied by the heartfelt caption: “Happy Pride from a bisexual person. This year’s Pride was absolutely amazing and there was so much love.” The post quickly received attention from followers and the press, not just for the announcement itself, but also for its message of acceptance and celebration.
A Royal Family Embraces Change
Maud Angelica’s coming out has not only stirred public conversation but has also received warm and open support from her family—most notably her mother, Princess Märtha Louise. Known for her independent spirit and unconventional path, Märtha Louise has long walked a line between tradition and innovation. She is no stranger to public scrutiny, especially for her departure from traditional royal duties and her work with spiritual and alternative healing practices alongside her husband, American shaman Durek Verrett.
Following Maud Angelica Behn’s announcement, Princess Märtha Louise posted a deeply emotional tribute to her daughter on social media. “Love is never wrong,” she wrote. “This Pride Month, I want to honor the courage it takes to live your truth.” The post included touching reflections on love, authenticity, and the importance of being seen. “During Pride I see a deep capacity for love — love that doesn’t ask for permission or explanation,” she continued, emphasizing that “Pride is not just about identity. It’s about freedom.”
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Her words serve not just as motherly support, but as a broader signal to LGBTQ+ individuals in Norway and beyond that they are valued and celebrated. Princess Märtha Louise’s post was widely shared and praised, helping to set a tone of compassion and openness that aligns with a more modern and inclusive vision of monarchy.
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Durek Verrett, too, stood proudly beside his wife at the Pride parade in Oslo. Known for his spiritual beliefs and unconventional practices, Verrett has often been a polarizing figure in Norwegian society. Nevertheless, his presence at the event and continued support of his stepdaughter reflect a family unity grounded in love and acceptance. This public display of solidarity during Oslo Pride sends a powerful message about the importance of allyship within families, particularly those in public roles.
Breaking Traditions and Building New Ones
The Norwegian monarchy, while not as scrutinized as its British counterpart, has still operated within traditional and sometimes rigid structures. Maud Angelica Behn’s open declaration represents a significant break from these patterns, signaling the start of what could be a broader modernization within the institution. The timing is also important—Oslo Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ festival in Norway, and this year’s celebration was particularly joyful and well-attended.
Maud Angelica Behn is not in the direct line of succession to the throne, and her role within the royal family is less formal than those of her cousins or uncle, Crown Prince Haakon. Nonetheless, her voice carries symbolic weight. In a society that values equality and freedom, her announcement can be seen as both a personal declaration and a national statement of progress.
This generational shift in the royal family also reflects changes in Norwegian society at large. Norway has long been considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, and the country regularly ranks high on global equality indexes. Yet even in such an inclusive environment, the visibility of public figures can play a critical role in reducing stigma and encouraging others to live openly.
It is also notable that Maud Angelica Behn’s announcement was not orchestrated through a formal press statement but instead shared in her own words and on her own terms. This decision reflects the growing influence of social media as a tool for self-expression and communication, even within traditionally closed institutions like royalty. By choosing to speak from her own platform, Maud Angelica showed that personal identity is not something that needs to be filtered through protocol—it can be shared directly, authentically, and with joy.
A New Era for Norway’s Monarchy
Maud Angelica Behn’s announcement comes at a time when many European royal families are grappling with questions of relevance and representation. In stepping forward as a bisexual person, she offers a modern image of royalty—one that reflects the realities of today’s world and the diversity of the people monarchies are meant to serve.
Her mother, Princess Märtha Louise, has already led the way in redefining royal roles. In 2022, she officially stepped down from her royal duties to focus on her personal and professional journey with Durek Verrett. While she retained her title, she gave up her official responsibilities to avoid confusion between her spiritual endeavors and her role as a royal. This marked a significant shift in the family’s dynamic, embracing a more flexible and individualistic approach.
Märtha Louise and Verrett’s wedding in 2023 was itself unconventional by royal standards. Held in the picturesque town of Geiranger—famous for its dramatic fjords—the ceremony spanned three days and combined Norwegian traditions with spiritual rituals. Though Durek Verrett does not hold a royal title, he has become an integral part of the royal family, endorsed even by King Harald V, who publicly welcomed him after their engagement.
Together, this family stands as a unique representation of evolving monarchy. They blend tradition with modernity, spirituality with science, and now, heteronormativity with queer visibility. Their openness challenges stereotypes and expands what it means to be royal in the 21st century.
Maud Angelica Behn, though still young, is already becoming a voice of her generation. From speaking about grief and mental health after her father’s death to now embracing her bisexuality publicly, she exemplifies strength, resilience, and empathy. Her journey is one that will resonate with many young people—royal or not—who are looking for role models that reflect their own experiences.
Her announcement also serves as a reminder that acceptance begins at home. With her mother’s loving support and her family’s visible presence at Oslo Pride, Maud Angelica Behn has shown what affirming love looks like in practice. It’s a reminder that coming out doesn’t have to be a moment of fear—it can be a celebration of truth, of joy, and of being exactly who you are.
As Norway’s monarchy continues to adapt and evolve, Maud Angelica Behn’s presence offers a hopeful vision for the future—one in which love, in all its forms, is not just tolerated but proudly embraced.