HRH Crown Princess Martha

International Scandinavian Cultural Award
2005 awardee

The life of Crown Princess Martha illustrates the Scandinavian style of peaceful political negotiation and international alliances. After escaping Norway in advance of the German invasion in 1940, the Crown Princess was active in the American Red Cross and played a significant role in keeping her home nation’s plight in the spotlight and ensuring Norway’s occupation was not overlooked. Her efforts influenced President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous “Look to Norway” speech of 1942, which implored Americans to look to that country if they wondered why World War II was worth fighting.