The 26-year-old Prince agreed to be questioned by a journalist from state broadcaster NRK about his relationship with single mother Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby.
The affair has received considerable media attention recently, especially relating to 26-year-old Mette-Marit's past. It was revealed last week that her ex-boyfriend and father of her child had been convicted of possession of cocaine and concerns were raised about security at the Royal household.
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The Crown Prince decided to speak out publicly about his relationship with Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby.
PHOTO: FÆDRELANDSVENNEN
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In the interview, the Prince confirmed that he and Mette-Marit were boyfriend and girlfriend. He said he was aware that in the early 90s she had been part of Oslo's so-called "house" or party scene. But that that was then, and things had changed considerably now. He said he felt that the time lapse was not given sufficient attention in recent media reports.
He also expressed his concern that coverage of the issue involved innocent third parties and could be very hurtful. He asked that the media respect people's private lives and follow ethical guidelines.
Outspoken royal commentator and former palace chef Carl-Erik Grimstad says it was very brave of the Crown Prince to speak out publicly. "Prince Haakon broke through a royal barrier and managed the art of being both serious and relaxed at the same time," he told Aftenposten.
Former Conservative Prime Minister Kåre Willoch says the move was clever and admirable.
But advertising boss Helge Steen believes the Prince's candidness did little to strengthen the position of the monarchy with the people. He thinks the Prince appeared naive and says his "cool and trendy" style seemed rather forced.
