Photo: Getty Images
Anti-Aids Congress in Vienna
Hats off: Norway's crown princess Mette-Marit (she turns 37 Thursday) has made the transition from "ugly duckling" to "proud swan" within a very short time. Once reviled as a single mother with a drug past, she is now recognized worldwide for her clever social commitment. To accomplish this miracle one needs wise counselors. And Mette-Marit has quite obviously, because now she managed again a media-effective appearance in her country: Just returned from an international anti-AIDS congress in Vienna, sat down in front of a video camera and tackled this serious topic charming and entertaining. She talked about her experiences gained at this congress in panel discussions and turned against the exclusion of people suffering from AIDS in our society. The resulting small film is now on the website of the Norwegian royal family and is clicked numerous. But even more: Mette-Marit receives the highest praise for her social commitment. Internet articles say that she has blossomed through her expertise to the most influential Crown Princess in Europe. Neither Frederik of Denmark (42), nor Victoria of Sweden could give her the water in this area, unreasonably admits royal fans from all over Scandinavia. Even crown prince Haakon (37) does not at the moment reach the sympathy values of his bourgeois wife.
