Royal Wedding: Norwegian Princess Ties Knot with American Guru
Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her longtime partner, American spiritual guru Durek Verrett, exchanged vows in a stunning ceremony in Geiranger, Norway. The royal wedding was a grand event attended by Norwegian royalty, including the king, as well as dignitaries from Sweden and other esteemed guests. However, amidst the celebrations, the couple faced criticism for what some perceived as the commercialization of their special day.
The marriage of Princess Martha Louise, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, and Verrett, a self-proclaimed “shaman” from California, was the culmination of a relationship that began in 2019. The couple’s union was celebrated over three days in Geiranger, where they were joined by friends, social media influencers, and Norwegian celebrities.
Martha Louise, the daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, made the decision to step down from her official royal duties in 2022 to pursue her own business ventures freely. Both she and Verrett had promised not to exploit her royal title for commercial gain. However, their decision to associate commercial activities with Martha Louise’s status as a princess drew disapproval from the Palace and members of parliament.
In a controversial move, the couple partnered with a liquor company to release a special pink gin for their wedding, featuring their names on the bottle label and a unique pink monogram created for the occasion. The marketing of this drink was deemed inappropriate by Norwegian health authorities, adding to the criticism surrounding the couple’s commercial endeavors.
Martha Louise’s first marriage to Norwegian author Ari Behn, with whom she shares three children, ended in divorce in 2017. Unlike her previous wedding, which was a grand affair held at the country’s largest cathedral in 2002, Saturday’s ceremony was more intimate, taking place in a large outdoor tent and restricted to media sponsors only.
The princess has been a controversial figure in Norway since 2007 when she announced that she possessed clairvoyant abilities and established a school to teach people how to communicate with angels. Verrett, now part of the extended royal family but not the core Royal House of Norway, will not be granted the title of prince.
Despite the criticism surrounding their commercial activities, Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett’s wedding was a joyous occasion that brought together friends and family from near and far. As they embark on this new chapter of their lives together, the couple will undoubtedly face challenges, but their love and commitment to each other will guide them through.