Norway's crown prince to marry single mother

By CNN Norway

OSLO, Norway -- Crown prince Haakon will marry his controversial girlfriend, Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby, King Harald told parliament in a formal announcement of the engagement on Friday.

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said he was convinced that the engagement was in the best interest of the crown prince, his girlfriend, the royal family and the country.

Tjessem Hoiby, 27, is a single mother from Kristiansand. The father of her three-year-old son was convicted of drug possession, and the thought that she may become queen has provoked concern both inside and outside the royal family.

Haakon himself, speaking in a recent television interview, said she had been an active frequenter of house music parties, where drugs are freely available, in the 1990s.

Tjessem Hoiby, who studies social anthropology at Oslo University, has never been found in possession of any drugs.

Haakon's parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, have publically voiced approval of the match, saying they have grown fond of Tjessem Hoiby.

Norway's royal prince to live with girlfriend
September 2, 2000

Norway's royal family
Norwegian government
CNN Norway

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