Ari Behn

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Ari Behn in Bergen 2006

Ari Mikael Behn (born September 30, 1972) is a Norwegian author, though he may be equally well known as the husband of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway. Currently living with his family in Lommedalen, Bærum. Behn has written four books: A collection of short stories (Trist som faen. meaning Sad as hell, 1999), a book about his own wedding (Fra hjerte til hjerte, meaning From heart to heart, 2002) in collaboration with wife Märtha Louise, and the novel (Bakgård meaning Backyard, 2003). His latest novel is a roman à clef named Entusiasme og raseri (Enthusiasm and Rage). It was published in October 2006.

Behn previously worked as a forklift truck driver (among other things), and had already begun to acquire a reputation as a writer by the time he met the princess. Behn's original surname was Bjørshol, but he later took his grandmother's name, Behn.

On May 24, 2002 Behn married Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, and on April 29, 2003 their daughter, Maud Angelica Behn, was born. On April 8, 2005, they had another daughter, Leah Isadora Behn.

Behn made the headlines of Norwegian newspapers autumn 2006 when he revealed that he voted for the Norwegian Labour Party. He is a close friend of Trond Giske and some newspapers and other politicians were critical to this. It has never happened before that members of the Royal Family in Norway has revealed their political sympathies.