Royal Controversy: Princess Märtha Louise’s Wedding Blends Tradition and Celebrity
Staff Editor Norwegian Princess Weds Amid Controversy and Celebrity Fanfare
In a blend of royal tradition and modern spectacle, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway tied the knot with Durek Verret in the picturesque town of Geiranger, Norway. The wedding, set against the backdrop of stunning fjord views, drew an eclectic mix of guests, including social media influencers, reality stars, and TV personalities.
The nuptials, however, were not without controversy. The couple’s decision to sell wedding photo rights to Hello! magazine and film rights to Netflix sparked protests from Norwegian media outlets, highlighting the tension between royal tradition and commercial interests.
King Harald, 87, despite his fragile health, attended the ceremony alongside Queen Sonja and other members of the Norwegian royal family. Swedish royals, including Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip, and Princess Sofia, were also present. Notably absent were representatives from other European royal houses.
The wedding comes at a time of waning public support for the Norwegian monarchy, exacerbated by recent negative reports about an unruly family member facing preliminary domestic violence charges. Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verret have further strained relations with the press through their frequent criticisms while simultaneously promoting themselves on social media platforms.
Princess Märtha Louise, fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, no longer officially represents the royal house. She has gained attention for her claims of communicating with angels, while Verret, a self-styled shaman, asserts his ability to communicate with spirits and promotes a medallion purportedly capable of warding off spells and curing diseases.
The couple’s engagement in 2022 raised eyebrows, with the understanding that Verret would not receive a royal title or official duties post-marriage. Their union has been marked by commercial controversies, including a 2019 agreement not to use Märtha Louise’s royal connection for business purposes – a directive that was tested earlier this year when the princess labeled bottles of gin with her title, only to later change the label at King Harald’s insistence.
This marriage marks a new chapter for Märtha Louise, who was previously married to Ari Behn for 14 years before their divorce in 2017. She brings three children from her previous marriage into this new union.
As Norway watches this unconventional royal wedding unfold, questions about the monarchy’s future and its place in modern society continue to simmer beneath the surface of the celebration.
