It left an entire nation in shock when it became known that Ari Behn, who was married to Princess Märtha Louise from 2002 to 2016, had taken his own life on Christmas Day 2019. He was only 47 years old.
Now Ari Behn’s close friend is ready with the book about their friendship, “Blood Brother – the story of Ari Behn and Per Heimly”. Heimly also shares for the first time the last text messages between the two friends before Ari died.
Kept close contact
Ahead of Behn’s death, he and Heimly had kept in close contact, most recently the morning before, according to an interview Heimly has done with VG about the new book.
He also tells about how he got the message of death.
Hemly knew that Behn was not well, but was sure he would spend time with his family at Christmas time. Suddenly he had a missed call from Ari Behn’s brother, Espen Bjørshol.
– I realized it was not good, says Heimly to VG.
Ari’s brother never called Per. So he cautiously called back.
– And then the brother says straight out that Ari is dead.
Divergent reviews
In the book, Heimly shares many messages that were sent between him and Behn.
– It is very revealing both for me and Ari, but in terms of content it felt important to include.
Heimly also tells VG that he had considered pulling the book “30 times”, and admits that it has been uncomfortable to share something so personal.
The book has so far received mixed reviews from reviewers.
VG gives it two dice rolls , men Dagbladet gives it a fiver.
— .
