Queen Sonja Addresses the Netflix Documentary During an Official Visit
During her official visit to Fjaler, Queen Sonja spoke about the ongoing discussion surrounding the Netflix documentary that focuses on her granddaughter, Princess Märtha Louise, and her son-in-law, Durek Verrett. The queen made clear that she has not watched the film and preferred not to offer a personal opinion on its contents.
She hasn’t seen the film
“I don’t know much about it, because I haven’t seen the documentary directly. I was on the mountains, and there was absolutely no ‘connection’ there, so I can’t say anything about it,” she told NRK, the Norwegian public broadcaster. The comment reflects a cautious approach, avoiding commentary on a project she hasn’t engaged with and signaling a desire to withhold judgment until she has firsthand knowledge of the material.
Public support and the royal couple
Even as she declined to weigh in on the documentary itself, the queen acknowledged the warmth and support that have followed the controversy. “I feel there is a lot of warmth coming from people. And that makes us very grateful,” she said, underscoring the monarchy’s appreciation for public sentiment during difficult times. Her remarks suggest a commitment to gratitude and unity, rather than stirring further debate about private matters.
Context and implications
The Netflix documentary has sparked broad discussion about privacy, the responsibilities of public figures, and the boundaries between family life and media coverage. While the royal family carefully navigates such conversations, Queen Sonja’s comments highlight a preference for discretion when she has not personally engaged with the material. By emphasizing the public’s warmth and expressing gratitude, she signals a focus on national unity and the constitutional role of the monarchy rather than on sensational controversy.
Why this stance matters
In a time when streaming platforms increasingly shape public narratives about private individuals connected to royalty, the queen’s approach resonates with many Norwegians who value stability and continuity. Her measured response—refusing to discuss unviewed material while praising public support—helps to frame the royal family as mindful, patient, and connected to the concerns of everyday people. It also reflects a broader tradition in which royal statements prioritize family privacy, respect for the media landscape, and gratitude toward citizens who stand by the monarchy.
The broader picture for the Norwegian monarchy
Queen Sonja’s remarks fit into a larger pattern of diplomatic and ceremonial communication that emphasizes dignity, discretion, and a sense of national solidarity. As Norwegian audiences continue to engage with the Netflix documentary and other media narratives about royal family members, the reigning couple remains a focal point for discussions on tradition, modernity, and public trust. The queen’s careful, non-committal stance on the documentary itself, paired with recognition of public warmth, presents a pragmatic approach to media scrutiny in the 21st century.
Bottom line
In Fjaler, Queen Sonja chose clarity over commentary on a film she has not seen while celebrating the goodwill she and the royal family have received from the public. Her words reinforce a message of gratitude, unity, and measured engagement with media narratives—traits that many Norwegians associate with the country’s enduring constitutional monarchy.
