Princess Märtha Louise’s Heirloom Tiara: A Heartfelt Symbol Decoded

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway’s sister, Märtha Louise, looked stunning as she exchanged vows with Durek Verrett in Geiranger on Saturday, 31 August.

The three-day celebration capped off with a remarkable ceremony at the four-star Hotel Union. Close friends and family attended the event, which was led by parish priest Margit Lovise Holte and covered exclusively by HELLO!

Märtha Louise wore an elegant ivory wedding dress by Tina Steffenakk Hermansen. The dress featured a sleeveless V-neck bodice, ornamental flowers on the shoulders, and a striking detachable train that largely hid her gold shoes.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the bride’s ensemble was her sentimental pearl tiara from Garrard. This tiara, named King Olav’s Gift Tiara, was given to her on her 18th birthday in 1989 by her grandfather, King Olav V of Norway.

“I’ve worn it many times since then,” she shared, recalling events like Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark’s silver wedding anniversary in 1992 and Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark’s wedding in 2004.

“It’s the ‘something old’ part of my wedding outfit, while the new element is my dress and the ‘something blue’ is Durek’s special Quinterium symbol embroidered inside,” she elaborated.

Along with her tiara, Märtha Louise secured a veil into her chic half-updo hairstyle. Her makeup was subtle, enhancing her natural beauty with a touch of mascara and blush to highlight her blue eyes and cheekbones.

Durek also looked striking in a black and gold bespoke Charles & Ron tux with paisley-patterned arms and a tie-knot.

The couple exchanged rose gold and diamond rings designed by jeweller Joy Sangalang Smith. “I had our wedding bands made in the old Viking way. The runes engraved in the gold mean ‘love’s flame’ so when two flames come together we create love’s fire,” Durek told HELLO!

The royal wedding was a glamorous affair, with male guests in tuxedos and female guests in long ball gowns. However, guests were advised not to wear white, a color traditionally reserved for the bride.

This marks Märtha Louise’s second wedding; she was previously married to Ari Behn from 2002 to 2017. The royal looked stunning during her first wedding 22 years ago in a sleeveless gown layered with a Swarovski crystal-encrusted coat dress by Wenche Lyche.

She accessorised with a family heirloom, the replica of Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara, as the original was stolen in the nineties. Märtha Louise and Ari welcomed three children—Maud, Leah, and Emma—before splitting in 2016 and finalizing their divorce the following year. Tragically, Ari took his own life two years later on Christmas Day.

Märtha Louise and Durek confirmed their relationship in May 2019, after meeting through mutual friend Millana Snow the previous year. Following a three-year romance, the spiritual healer proposed under an oak tree in California in June 2022, having had three earlier proposal plans thwarted.

Two years of meticulous planning went into their wedding weekend, which included three days of celebrations. Festivities began on Thursday with a meet-and-greet party with a “sexy and cool” dress code at Hotel 1904 in Ålesund city. The following day featured a boat trip along the Geiranger Fjord to Geiranger village.

The second evening saw guests gather for a Latin American-themed pre-wedding party with salsa dancing at Hotel Union. The couple exchanged personal vows during an emotional ceremony on Saturday, led by parish priest Margot Lovise Holte. Crown Prince Haakon also did a bible reading before guests gave the newlyweds a standing ovation.

The couple have been candid about the challenges in their relationship, but Durek expressed his love for Märtha Louise profoundly: “I never thought I’d find a woman who’d be able to love all of me. But I always dreamed of a woman like that and I found her. I’m the happiest man because I get to spend the rest of my life with her. I can’t wait to see her and share things with her. Love transcends all things because love is the original energy that we all are on this planet. It triumphs over everything.”

Source: HELLO!