Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her American partner, self-styled shaman Durek Verrett, have tied the knot this weekend, despite facing considerable public scrutiny. The couple’s wedding festivities began with a “meet and greet” at a historic hotel in Alesund, followed by a scenic boat trip to Geiranger, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage fjords, where guests enjoyed a “light lunch” with picturesque views.
The wedding ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, is a private affair, with notable guests including members of the Swedish royal family, social media influencers, and TV personalities like Cynthia Bailey. Attendees have been instructed to refrain from using phones or cameras, and to avoid posting on social media.
Princess Märtha Louise, the eldest child of King Harald, has faced criticism in Norway for her involvement in alternative spiritual practices. She relinquished her “Her Royal Highness” title in 2002 to pursue her own ventures and was previously married to the late writer Ari Behn, with whom she had three daughters.
Durek Verrett, who describes himself as a “sixth-generation shaman,” has attracted controversy due to his unconventional claims and teachings. Despite their alternative spiritual beliefs, the wedding will be conducted according to traditional Norwegian Church liturgy, with Parish Priest Margit Lovise Holte officiating.
The couple has sparked additional controversy by signing an exclusive coverage deal with Hello! magazine, excluding Norwegian media from reporting on the event. This decision has fueled backlash among local press and the public.
Märtha Louise and Verrett are also working with Netflix on a documentary about their relationship, aiming to provide a global audience with insight into their story. The documentary will likely address the controversies surrounding their union and offer a broader perspective on their lives.