Muhler, could you please explain what the thinking is of “why” ML wants to hurt or embarrass her family? I’m not sure I totally understand. Do people think she really believes his con or is just going along for the publicity/money making? Thanks in advance
It's my impression that the Norwegian royal and political commentators and by extension the Norwegian public are just as divided in their opinions of what is going on as we are here.
They don't go that much into why ML acts like she does, that would of course be pure speculation, it's more about the consequences of her actions and the fact the she repeatedly has broken the agreements between the couple and the NRF. Which, if King Harald is anything resembling a normal human being, must be hurtful not least in light of his health.
It boils down to:
- ML is a mature woman who is responsible for her decisions.
- ML has broken a signed agreement several times. An agreement that should not be that difficult to adhere by. Either you stick to what you agreed to or you don't sign an agreement at all.
- The accusations (in particular racism) leveled at the Norwegian press and even Norwegian people are considered unfair and ML with her cultural background should know better than to support and voice such accusations.
- Her continuation of her inconsiderate behavior towards her family is seen in a very negative light. Not least because King Harald is known as a compassionate and decent man. It doesn't exactly help that she and Durek have threatened to sue Durek's 81 year old mother - for voicing an opinion all the commentators heartily agree with BTW. You just don't threaten your 81 year old mother in Norwegian eyes. And if Durek does do that, ML should keep her nose out of it.
Of course past controversies are also brought up. Angel school, shaky personal economy and her narrative regarding the unhappy life she lived while she was an active royal - while still insisting on being a princess. Which is considered to be open hypocrisy.
- On top of that there is the feud with the Norwegian press, which is generally considered stupid.
You don't need a degree in reading between the lines to know that there is a sense of deep disappointment, anger and probably a feeling of betrayal as well on behalf of the NRF (Keep in mind the deep respect there is for King Harald.) Norway (the Norwegians is a proud people) and the Norwegians themselves. (That's a tribal thing. ML has betrayed and embarrassed the tribe with her behavior.)
And that's why, I'm sure, ML is getting more heat than Durek in the links that were a part of the BT article I posted.
The above has pretty much been the gist of the comments for a very long time now. The difference being that as the wedding is getting nearer, the calls of: "this cannot go on" and "do something" are getting louder.
I don't recall reading a Norwegian commentator speculate in depth about the motives for ML's behavior.
I.e. is she a naive victim of a conman who is manipulating her. Or does she know perfectly well what is being done and is she perhaps even using Durek. That is conning the conman. Or has she found a true soulmate in Durek.
These are things I personally don't recall having read by serious commentators. But it is no doubt debated lively on social media and at the coffee tables in Norway.
The only time recently where the press and commentators were friendly towards ML, was after the death of Ari Behn and that was mainly directed towards the daughters but also the way ML obviously took care of her daughters.
It's been a very long time since I have last seen an opinion piece where someone is sympathetic towards ML and Durek, let alone agreed with them.
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ADDED:
I think there is a cultural thing that needs to be pointed out.
In Scandinavia "friend" is a strong word that is used about people you genuinely know well.
While in other cultures the word friend is used more loosely and also about acquaintances and associates.
In Scandinavia "good friend" is only used about a very select few and probably lifelong close friends.