Have you ever talked to an angel? Princess Martha Louise of Norway says she has - and one of her country's top newspapers wanted her to give up her crown because of it. Makes me wonder: would we Americans lose trust or confidence in one of our leaders or national icons for making the same admission? I sure hope not.

The controversy made international headlines last summer, as the 35-year-old princess (who is fourth in line to the throne), announced her involvement with a new school – Astarte Education – that includes lessons on “getting in touch with your own truths” through “readings, healings, crystals and hands-on treatment.” Norwegian journalists dubbed the spiritual center as "the angel school" after the Princess said publicly that she believes she has communicated with angels. 

A staff editorial printed in the Norwegian newspaper Bergens Tidene said, "The solution is clear and actually not dramatic: Drop the princess title and her place in the line of succession, (and) choose to live life in her own way." Gosh, that would send a great message, especially to her nation's children. A princess is only a good princess if she tows the line, doesn't follow her heart and keeps quiet about her spirituality. Make sure nobody actually knows the real you, kids!

It's not as if Princess Martha Louise has admitted to criminal activity or destructive behavior. In fact, angels represent grace, love, faith - all pretty great things. Now, is there definitive evidence they exist? No. Has anyone proven they talk to angels? Nope. But the same goes for God; would the paper have attacked the Princess if she announced she talks regularly with God? At last check, there's still no scientific evidence that God exists either. But billions still believe in and communicate with a higher power. 

I would hope that if an American leader or celebrated icon ever mentions his or her encounters with angels, we will see it as a sign of strong faith and courage - not mental instability. After all, an Associated Press study released in 2006 shows the vast majority of Americans believe in the presence of angels. We may not talk much about it with each other, but 81% of us think angels are real.

Interestingly, pollsters found that there's no one common definition for an angel. Everyone has a different description, based on their own beliefs and experiences. In a radio interview defending herself during the height of criticism against her, the Princess provided a pretty eloquent description of angels. She said, "Some feel them, others see them. Everyone experiences them from their own standpoint. For me, they are beings of light, like a feeling of a powerful presence, a strong sense of love."

That doesn't sound wacky to me. In fact, it sounds wonderful. One of my favorite sayings is: "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." I do hope the Princess holds her head high, keeps her tiara on top of it and, now that the media frenzy has finally faded, has a good long chuckle with her angels.