Ari Behn: Former husband of Norwegian Princess dies age 47

'We are grateful that we got to know him. We grieve that our grandchildren have now lost their beloved father', King Harald says

Ari Behn and his ex-wife, Princess Martha Louise, pictured in 2015 (Getty)

The ex-husband of Norwegian princess Martha Louise has died, the royal household has announced.

Ari Behn, who had three daughters with the princess, is reported to have taken his own life according to a statement from the family.

In a statement Norway's King Harald said: "It is with great sadness the Queen and I have received the news of Ari Behn's passing.

"Ari has been an important part of our family for many years, and we carry warm, fond memories of him.

"We are grateful that we got to know him. We grieve that our grandchildren have now lost their beloved father - and have deep compassion for his parents and siblings, who have now lost their beloved son and brother.

"We pray that Ari's immediate family will be at ease during this painful time."

He leaves behind three young daughters - Maud Angelica, 16, Leah Isadora, 14 and Emma Tallulah, 11.

The office of the Crown Prince added: "For us, Ari was a good friend, a dear family member and a wonderful uncle, with whom we shared many of life's small and big moments.

"It is with great sadness that we have received the message of his passing away. We were all very fond of Ari. Our thoughts go especially to Maud, Leah, Emma, ​​Princess Märtha Louise and Ari's immediate family."

In 2017, shortly after separating from the princess, Mr Behn accused Mr Spacey of having groped him at a concert for the Nobel Peace Prize ten years prior - one of a string of men to lodge allegations against the Hollywood actor.

"We had a great talk, he sat right beside me." Mr Behn told Norwegian media at the time. "After five minutes he said, 'hey, let's go out and have a cigarette'. Then he puts his hand under the table and grabs me by the balls."

Behn said he had placated Mr Spacey at the time by telling him: "Er, maybe later."