Princess Märtha Louise of Norway visits during Heritage Festival
April 10, 2006
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, the only daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, will visit PLU on Saturday, April 29, as part of a national speaking and promotional tour for her book “Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns.”
Her visit is part of the annual Norwegian Heritage Festival that features booths offering Norwegian products such as sweaters, jewelry, Hardanger fiddles and arts and crafts demonstrations. Freshly baked Norwegian cookies and pastries, live entertainment and special children’s programming are also part of the event. A favorite of the festival is a booth demonstrating how to make “lefse,” the traditional Scandinavian flat bread. The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in University Center.
The appearance by Princess Märtha Louise includes a 35-minute presentation about growing up as royalty in today's world and why she wrote her bestselling children's book. It begins at 3 p.m. in Lagerquist Concert Hall.
Following her remarks, the Princess will greet festival-goers and sign books in the University Center. “Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns” will be on sale throughout the festival and before and after the festival at PLU Northwest and Scandinavian Gift Shop.
“Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns” centers on events in 1905, when Norway's union with Sweden was peacefully dissolved and Norway needed to find a new royal family. The book's tale begins there and is based on the childhood of the princess' grandfather, King Olav V. Little Prince Olav wants to play in the snow and ski just like the other children, but every time he leaves the palace something bad happens to the crown on his head, and the king and queen are not amused.
Former Vice President Walter Mondale has praised the book, describing it as "a creative way to incorporate the historical events of 1905 into a story that will be enjoyed by children for many generations."
Fascinated by traditional Norwegian folk tales and possessing a love of music, the princess started giving public and televised performances in the 1990s, reciting folk tales and singing with well-known Norwegian choirs. She also has joined the Oslo Gospel Choir as a soloist for its annual Christmas concert. Her latest project is gathering fairy tales from around the world to be published in four volumes -- one for each season. In addition, a Nordic volume will be produced, mainly comprised of fairy tales from Scandinavian countries.
Princess Märtha Louise studied English literature at Oxford University and obtained certification as a physical therapist. She advocates for disabled children and manages her own business as a cultural mediator. Because of her business and entertainment interests, she has reduced her activities as a member of the royal family, although she still carries out some public duties on behalf of the king. She is married to author Ari Behn and is the mother of two young daughters.
The appearance by Princess Märtha Louise includes a 35-minute presentation about growing up as royalty in today's world and why she wrote her bestselling children's book. It begins at 3 p.m. in Lagerquist Concert Hall.
Following her remarks, the Princess will greet festival-goers and sign books in the University Center. “Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns” will be on sale throughout the festival and before and after the festival at PLU Northwest and Scandinavian Gift Shop.
“Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns” centers on events in 1905, when Norway's union with Sweden was peacefully dissolved and Norway needed to find a new royal family. The book's tale begins there and is based on the childhood of the princess' grandfather, King Olav V. Little Prince Olav wants to play in the snow and ski just like the other children, but every time he leaves the palace something bad happens to the crown on his head, and the king and queen are not amused.
Former Vice President Walter Mondale has praised the book, describing it as "a creative way to incorporate the historical events of 1905 into a story that will be enjoyed by children for many generations."
Fascinated by traditional Norwegian folk tales and possessing a love of music, the princess started giving public and televised performances in the 1990s, reciting folk tales and singing with well-known Norwegian choirs. She also has joined the Oslo Gospel Choir as a soloist for its annual Christmas concert. Her latest project is gathering fairy tales from around the world to be published in four volumes -- one for each season. In addition, a Nordic volume will be produced, mainly comprised of fairy tales from Scandinavian countries.
Princess Märtha Louise studied English literature at Oxford University and obtained certification as a physical therapist. She advocates for disabled children and manages her own business as a cultural mediator. Because of her business and entertainment interests, she has reduced her activities as a member of the royal family, although she still carries out some public duties on behalf of the king. She is married to author Ari Behn and is the mother of two young daughters.