Maud Angelica Behn, Daughter of Princess Martha Louise, Opens Up About Father's Suicide on Podcast

Maud Angelica Behn, 21, daughter of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, recently shared her emotional experience of coping with her father Ari Behn's suicide on her mother's podcast, 'HeartSmart Conversations.' Ari Behn, an author, took his own life on Christmas Day 2019, a tragedy that left Maud struggling to come to terms with profound grief and regret.

During the podcast, Maud broke down in tears as she expressed her deep sorrow and regrets over not being able to show her father the love she felt for him. 'There are many painful things about my father's death, but one of the most painful things was that I had so much love for him that I couldn't show him,' she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Why this matters: Mental health is a critical issue that affects people from all walks of life, including members of royal families. By sharing her story, Maud Angelica Behn raises awareness about the importance of mental health support and the devastating consequences of suicide.

Maud was only 16 when her father passed away. A week after his death, she delivered a powerful speech on mental health at his funeral, an act that earned her the title of 'Norway's Bravest Woman' by a local magazine. Despite being in a 'worst mental space,' Maud felt compelled to speak out to help others who might be struggling with similar issues.

In her grieving process, Maud found comfort in making origami birds, describing the activity as 'meditative.' She would leave the birds around her school, and many were picked up by classmates and locals as symbols of compassion and hope. This creative outlet helped her channel her emotions and connect with her father's memory.

Maud's path through grief also involved exploring her own creativity. She experimented with her image, shaving her head and dyeing her hair green. She described herself as 'a work of art that I like to dress up in my own image.' This personal transformation was part of her healing process, allowing her to express her individuality while honoring her father's artistic legacy.

Princess Märtha Louise, Maud's mother, has also faced significant changes since Ari Behn's death. She has found love again with American shamanic healer Durek Verrett and stepped down as a working royal amid criticism of her boyfriend's views on modern medicine. This shift has added another layer of complexity to Maud's experience, as she copes with her grief alongside her family's evolving dynamics.

Maud honors her father's memory in various ways, such as using his old typewriters and listening to jazz, his favorite music. These small acts of remembrance help her feel connected to him and keep his spirit alive in her daily life.

As Maud continues to cope with her grief, she remains grateful for the support of her loved ones. 'I like to cry... it's liberating,' she shared during the podcast, highlighting the importance of expressing emotions and finding healthy outlets for pain.

Maud Angelica Behn's candid discussion on her mother's podcast provides a heartfelt insight into the personal struggles faced by the Norwegian royal family. Her path through grief, creative expression, and the support of her loved ones highlights the enduring impact of her father's death and her resilience in the face of such a profound loss.

Key Takeaways

• Maud Angelica Behn, 21, opens up about her father Ari Behn's suicide on her mother's podcast.
• Ari Behn, an author, took his own life on Christmas Day 2019, leaving Maud with profound grief and regret.
• Maud regrets not showing her father the love she felt for him, and hopes to raise awareness about mental health support.
• She found comfort in creative outlets like origami birds and experimenting with her image during her grieving process.
• Maud honors her father's memory through small acts, like using his old typewriters and listening to jazz, his favorite music.