Norway’s Princess Martha Louise Marries US Spiritual Guru

OSLO (Reuters) – Norway’s Princess Martha Louise married her long-term partner, American spiritual guru Durek Verrett, on Saturday. The ceremony attracted attention from the Norwegian king and other royalty but also drew criticism for its perceived commercialisation.

The wedding completed a three-day celebration in honor of Martha Louise, 52, fourth in line to the throne, and Verrett, 49, a self-styled shaman from California. The couple first revealed their relationship in 2019.

The picturesque western town of Geiranger hosted the couple’s nuptials, attended by royals from Sweden and Norway, as well as friends, social media influencers, and notable Norwegian figures.

Martha Louise, daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, stepped away from official royal duties in 2022 to freely pursue her business endeavors. She and Verrett decided not to use her royal title in any commercial ventures.

Despite this decision, the couple has faced criticism from the Palace and members of parliament for connecting their commercial activities with Martha Louise’s royal status.

In June, they introduced a special pink gin for their wedding at an event held by a liquor company. The gin’s label featured both their names and a specially designed pink monogram for the occasion. Norwegian health authorities recently ruled that the marketing of this drink was inappropriate.

Martha Louise’s first marriage was to Norwegian author Ari Behn, with whom she had three children. They divorced in 2017.

Saturday’s wedding took place in a large outdoor tent and was restricted to media sponsors. Unlike her first wedding in 2002, which was held at Norway’s largest cathedral and broadcast on television, this ceremony wasn’t aired on TV.

Martha Louise caused controversy in 2007 when she announced she was clairvoyant and had started a school to teach people how to communicate with angels.

Verrett joins Norway’s extended royal family but not the core Royal House of Norway, which includes only the monarch, the next two in line to the throne, and their spouses. This distinction means Verrett will not become a prince.

Source: Reuters