Consent of Independent Auditors




We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Independent
Auditors" and to the use of our reports dated February 11, 2002, with respect to
the financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
Separate Account and February 1, 2002 with respect to the financial statements
and schedules of Principal Life Insurance Company, in the Registration Statement
(Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 No. 333-81714) and related Prospectus
of Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life Separate Account - Principal
Executive Variable Universal Life.

                                                           /s/Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
May 15, 2002