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| Queen lends some support |
| [30.08.2007, 11:37pm, Thu. GMT] |
As controversy has raged over Princess Martha Louise's angel school, her parents have been curiously quiet. King Harald has been off sailing in his tradtional summer regattas, but Queen Sonja finally commented on the issue Sunday. The queen emerged from summer holidays over the weekend to accept honorary membership in one of Norway's most venerable organizations, the mountain trekking association DNT. Reporters seized the opportunity to pose a few questions. Queen Sonja, when confronted, offered her daughter some support but made one thing perfectly clear: "This is her own business venture," the queen told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). "It's her responsibility." Many Norwegians have been wondering what King Harald and Queen Sonja really think about their daughter's use of her royal title to promote a new commercial training venture that aims to help customers "get in contact with their angels." The venture, widely dubbed an "angel school," also will offer courses in healing and other alternative therapy.The venture, along with Princess Martha Louise's claims that she sees angels and views them as messengers from God, is controversial not least because Norway's royal family is obligated to support the state church.
Asked whether she believes in angels herself, Queen Sonja said "not exactly angels," but with a glance up at surrounding mountains, she said she believes there may be "something between heaven and earth."
After stressing that the princess is responsible for her own commercial ventures, Queen Sonja suggested it was okay "if she feels she has some abilities that can help others."
Asked how the controversy around the princess' angel school reflects on the monarchy, the queen said "that's up for others to decide."
King Harald, meanwhile, was preparing to sail in another regatta off the coast of southern Norway this week, coincidentally not far from the summer home Princess Martha Louise inherited on the island of Hanko.
The king was returning straight from the Copa del Rey regatta off Mallorca, where he sailed against several participants from the Americas Cup. He hasn't commented on his daughter's venture, nor on criticism that it's hurting the monarchy's credibility. The princess has refused to say what either of her parents think about it.
Aftenposten English Web Desk |
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