Princess Märtha Louise of Norway tied the knot with her American fiancé, Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed shaman, on August 31, 2024, in the scenic Geirangerfjord.
The couple exchanged vows in front of 350 attendees. The Norwegian Princess donned a dress designed by Tina Steffenakk Hermansen and adorned herself with King Olav’s Gift Tiara for the occasion. Following the ceremony, Märtha expressed, “Our love has overcome all challenges and will endure forever.”
However, the couple has been facing several controversies that have overshadowed their happy event.
Instead of being a joyous celebration of their love, the wedding was overshadowed by several dramatic developments involving the couple and their families.
The 52-year-old princess, daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, has always been a subject of interest due to her spiritual beliefs and unconventional lifestyle. However, her relationship with the 49-year-old Verrett heightened public attention. Verrett, known for his eccentric beliefs and unproven claims, such as the controversial notion that unhappiness causes childhood cancer, has been at the heart of media attention. His views, which many people find concerning, led to Märtha Louise resigning from her official royal duties in 2022. This decision was significant and reflects the immense public pressure and the challenges the princess has faced in managing her personal and royal life.
The couple’s issues have been further exacerbated by ongoing family conflicts, specifically with Verrett’s alienated mother, Veruschka Urquhart. The relationship between Verrett and his mother has been strained for years, and it reached a climax recently when Urquhart publicly accused her son of manipulating Märtha Louise and making up stories about their family’s wealth. In response, Märtha Louise and Verrett issued a cease-and-desist letter, threatening legal action if Urquhart did not withdraw her claims. The letter, which also mentioned Märtha Louise’s royal title, sparked additional controversy and criticism, as many questioned the princess’s continued use of her title in business and legal matters.
This family feud is just one of the many hurdles the Norwegian royal family has had to deal with in recent times. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently involved in a severe incident that resulted in preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage. The incident took place in downtown Oslo, and Borg Høiby was briefly detained by the police. The situation has received considerable media attention in Norway, where the royal family is held in high esteem, and further intensified the tension surrounding Märtha Louise’s wedding.
Princess Mette-Marit, who was due to attend the Paris Olympics shortly after the incident, delayed her trip due to the situation. Crown Prince Haakon, her husband and Marius’ step-father, journeyed to Paris alone, acknowledging the gravity of the case but refraining from divulging further details. The royal couple’s reaction was calculated, but the incident undoubtedly added to the family’s stress.
Despite these hurdles, Märtha Louise and Verrett stuck to their wedding plans. They chose the Union Hotel in Geirangerfjord, Norway as their wedding venue, a location known for its stunning natural beauty and recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The couple expressed their enthusiasm for the wedding, with Märtha Louise emphasizing the importance of the location and its ties to Norway’s rich cultural heritage. “We’re so happy to be celebrating our love in the beautiful surroundings of Geiranger,” she posted on Instagram. “It means a lot to us to gather our loved ones in a place that is so rich in history and intense nature.
The wedding was not only a personal milestone for Märtha Louise and Verrett but also a significant event for the Norwegian royal family. However, the ongoing controversies led to renewed calls for King Harald to strip his daughter of her princess title. Critics argue that Märtha Louise’s continued use of her title, particularly in business and legal matters, undermines the dignity of the monarchy. The debate over her title has been ongoing since she stepped down from her royal duties.
Märtha Louise has been candid about the challenges she has faced due to her relationship with Verrett. In interviews, she has discussed the severe criticism she has received, not just for her personal beliefs but also for her choice of partner.
Verrett, on his part, has also been outspoken about the difficulties they face as an interracial couple. He has disclosed that they have received death threats and faced substantial backlash from those who disapprove of their relationship. Despite the challenges, Verrett remains dedicated to Märtha Louise, stating that he is willing to “go through the fire” with her. He has also defended his spiritual practices and beliefs, arguing that they are misunderstood and unjustly criticized by the media and the public.
The couple is likely to continue facing scrutiny, from both the public and the media. The Norwegian royal family will also be under the spotlight as they navigate these challenges and support Märtha Louise in her decision to marry Verrett.
