In addition to being a Norwegian princess, his wife was in the line of succession to the British throne and occupied the 18th place at the time of her birth.

He worked for the Norwegian Independent Company 1, a British military unit, during World War II.

His family was in the merchant marine business, and the Lorentzens had a line from the Gulf of Mexico to the east coast of Brazil and Argentina.

So instead of visiting their representatives, Erling sought to know more about such a company that was for sale, which would expand the LPG transportation business.

Lorentzen married Princess Ragnhild, elder granddaughter of the then-reigning King Haakon VII, on 15 May 1953 in Asker, Norway.