Norwegian Princess Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek Verrett’s Wedding
Princess Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek Verrett Celebrate Love and Tradition in a Groundbreaking Wedding
The excitement is palpable as Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her American partner, shaman Durek Verrett, kick off their wedding festivities. The charming town of Alesund is buzzing with activity as guests from around the globe arrive for a warm “meet and greet” at a historic hotel.
The wedding festivities will soon move to the stunning Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Friday, guests will enjoy a scenic boat ride through the fjord, complete with a light lunch and breathtaking views of Norway’s majestic mountains and waterfalls. The main event will take place on Saturday with an intimate, private ceremony.
Notable attendees include members of the Swedish royal family and a variety of social media influencers and TV personalities, including US reality star Cynthia Bailey. To ensure a truly private experience, guests have been asked to leave their phones and cameras behind and to keep the celebrations off social media.
Princess Märtha Louise, 52, and Durek Verrett, 49, announced their engagement in 2022. The princess, who is the eldest daughter of King Harald of Norway, was previously married to the late Ari Behn, with whom she had three daughters: Maud, Leah, and Emma. Following their divorce in 2017 and Behn’s passing in 2019, Märtha Louise has continued to captivate the public with her unconventional approach to spirituality and alternative therapies.
Durek Verrett, who describes himself as a sixth-generation shaman, has garnered attention for his unique spiritual teachings. From claiming to have risen from the dead to a childhood prophecy about marrying a Norwegian princess, his life story is as intriguing as it is unconventional.
As they celebrate their love and commitment, Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett are blending royal tradition with modern spirituality in a way that’s uniquely their own. Here’s to a magical and memorable celebration for this remarkable couple. Stay tuned for more updates as their special day unfolds!
Princess Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek Verrett Celebrate Love and Tradition in a Groundbreaking Wedding
In 2019, Princess Märtha Louise took to Instagram to share her relationship with Durek Verrett, a self-styled shaman. Aiming to address potential critics, she wrote: “To those who feel the need to criticize: Hold your horses. It’s not up to you to choose for me or judge me. Shaman Durek is simply someone I love spending time with and who makes me feel complete.”
Despite her open declaration, not everyone in Norway has embraced Verrett. Royal correspondent Kristi Marie Skrede from NRK TV notes that many Norwegians remain skeptical, pointing to cultural differences and Verrett’s unconventional statements as sources of unease. “There’s a lot of criticism about what he says and does as a shaman,” Skrede explains.
While the couple’s spiritual beliefs are unique, their wedding this weekend will adhere to traditional norms. Parish Priest Margit Lovise Holte will officiate the ceremony according to the Norwegian Church’s wedding liturgy.
When the engagement was announced, it was reported that Verrett would relocate to Norway and integrate into the royal family, though without a title. The couple has since purchased a home in Norway. In 2022, the Norwegian palace announced that Märtha Louise would step back from her patronage roles to clearly separate her personal activities from the Royal House of Norway. She would retain her title but not use it for commercial purposes.
King Harald, while supportive, acknowledged the challenges. He described Verrett as “a great and noted that they’ve managed to find common ground despite differences. “We’ve laughed a lot, even during tough times, and we’ve agreed to disagree,” he said.
However, controversy has followed. Märtha Louise’s name and royal title appeared on a commemorative wedding gin, drawing criticism from those who felt it disrespected King Harald, who is one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs. Additionally, the exclusion of Norwegian media from the wedding, with exclusive coverage going to Hello! magazine, has frustrated many. “The public won’t see or know much about it unless they buy the magazine,” Skrede commented.
Adding to the buzz, it was recently revealed that the couple has been working with Netflix on an “in-depth and moving documentary” about their relationship. Verrett shared on Instagram, “We’re going more global, and there’s nothing more powerful than the love that fuels us.”
Princess Märtha Louise, King Harald’s eldest child and fourth in line to the throne, will be celebrated in this blend of royal tradition and modern storytelling. As she embarks on this new chapter with Durek Verrett, the world watches with curiosity and anticipation.
