39
SCANDINAVIAN MONTHLY | FINE ART/MUSIC
A Norwegian Royal Drama From World War II Text Tor Kjolberg
During World War II, Norway’s Crown Princess Märtha and her three children fled the Nazis and lived in exile in Bethesda, Maryland. The location was convenient to Washington and to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The crown princess, 39 years old at that time, travelled to USA at the invitation of the American president. The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation has made a television drama, “Atlantic Crossing”, which has created a massive public debate around artistic liberties, and indignant historians have branded it “fake news”. Read more about the Norwegian royal drama from World War II. The Crown Princess and the Crown Prince had become close friends with the US President and his wife during a comprehensive tour to the USA in the summer of 1939. The Crown Princess worked assiduously hard to promote Norwegian interests, and their friendship opened doors. Crown Princess Märtha was involved in a wide range of activities, from sending relief aid and participating in relief operations for refugees to paying official visits and giving lectures and speeches. Related: Scandinavian Royal Line
The US President was happy to welcome his Royal visitors In 1939, the Norwegian Storting (the parliament) had deep concerns for Norway’s safety and security against Germans on the march. Crown Prince Olav, a naval officer, became a secret emissary to the US, making several trips to meet with President Roosevelt. King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav and members of the Norwegian government never surrendered to Hitler. They won asylum in Great Britain and ran the country’s resistance from London, while Crown Princess Märtha and her three children were invited by the US President. FDR was happy to welcome his Royal visitors, and offer the hospitality of
‘Atlantic Crossing’ is “Inspired by true events”
