A royal wedding, imbued with a narrative akin to a television drama, is in the works. Princess Märtha Louise of Norway is set to marry her American fiancé, Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed shaman, on August 31, 2024. The ceremony will take place in the scenic Geirangerfjord, although a multitude of controversies have cast a pall over what should be a festive event.
The forthcoming matrimony, expected to celebrate love, has been overshadowed by a sequence of dramatic episodes involving the bride and groom, and their extended families. Princess Märtha Louise, 52, the offspring of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, has always been a curiosity due to her spiritual beliefs and unconventional lifestyle. Her association with Verrett, 49, has heightened the public’s attention. Verrett’s unconventional beliefs and pseudoscientific assertions have made him the target of media attention. His controversial claim that unhappiness causes childhood cancer led to Märtha Louise relinquishing her official royal duties in 2022, a decision indicative of intense public pressure and the princess’s struggle to balance personal life and royal obligations.
Further complicating the couple’s situation are ongoing family disagreements, specifically with Verrett’s estranged mother, Veruschka Urquhart. The strained relationship between Verrett and his mother escalated recently when Urquhart accused her son of exploiting Märtha Louise and fabricating stories about family wealth. Märtha Louise and Verrett responded with a cease-and-desist letter, warning of legal action if Urquhart did not retract her allegations. The use of Märtha Louise’s royal title in the letter stirred further controversy, with critics questioning her continued use of her title in business and legal matters.
Adding to the royal family’s troubles is the recent involvement of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, in a serious incident. Borg Høiby, who now faces preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage, was briefly detained following a disturbance in downtown Oslo. The incident has captured media attention in Norway, where the royal family is held in high esteem, and intensified the unease surrounding Märtha Louise’s impending wedding.
Princess Mette-Marit postponed her scheduled trip to the Paris Olympics following the incident. Crown Prince Haakon, her spouse, proceeded to Paris alone, recognizing the gravity of the situation but refraining from divulging further details. Although the royal couple’s response was measured, the incident has undeniably added to the family’s stress as they gear up for Märtha Louise’s wedding.
In spite of these hurdles, Märtha Louise and Verrett are steadfast in their wedding plans. The couple has chosen the Union Hotel in Geirangerfjord, Norway, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage site status, as their wedding venue. Märtha Louise expressed her excitement on Instagram, emphasizing the location’s significance and its ties to Norway’s rich cultural heritage.
While the wedding marks a personal milestone for Märtha Louise and Verrett, it also represents a significant event for the Norwegian royal family. However, the ongoing controversies have spurred renewed demands 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 contexts, devalues the monarchy. The debate has been ongoing since her resignation from royal duties and has intensified as her wedding date nears.
Märtha Louise has been candid about the challenges her relationship with Verrett has presented, discussing the severe criticism she has faced for her personal beliefs and choice of partner during interviews. Verrett, on the other hand, has been outspoken about the adversity they face as an interracial couple. He has disclosed that they have been the targets of death threats and have encountered substantial backlash from those who disapprove of their relationship. Despite these difficulties, Verrett stays committed to Märtha Louise, stating his willingness to “go through the fire” with her. He has also defended his spiritual practices and beliefs, arguing that they are misunderstood and unfairly criticized.
As the wedding date approaches, the couple and the Norwegian royal family are likely to continue facing scrutiny from the public and media. Whether the wedding will put an end to the controversies or further ignite the debates remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Geirangerfjord, where the couple will soon exchange vows amid a backdrop of stunning beauty and ongoing controversy.
