GEIRANGER, NORWAY. In a wedding that has sparked both fascination and controversy, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, the eldest daughter of King Harald, married Durek Verret, a self-proclaimed sixth-generation shaman from California, on Saturday. The ceremony, held in the scenic town of Geiranger, capped off three days of festivities that drew a star-studded guest list, including social media influencers, reality stars, and TV personalities.
The wedding took place in a large white tent set against the stunning backdrop of Geiranger Fjord, one of Norway’s most famous tourist destinations. The event was marked by a blend of royal tradition and unconventional elements reflecting the couple’s unique beliefs and lifestyle.
However, the celebration did not come without controversy. The couple sold exclusive rights to their wedding photos to British celebrity magazine Hello! and the film rights to Netflix, a move that angered Norwegian media. Critics argue that this commercialization is at odds with the customs of the Norwegian royal family, who have traditionally kept such events more private. The couple, known for their contentious relationship with the press, has frequently used social media to promote themselves while criticizing mainstream media outlets.
King Harald, 87, who has faced health challenges in recent years, attended the ceremony alongside Queen Sonja and other members of the Norwegian royal family. Representing the Swedish royal family were Crown Princess Victoria, her husband Prince Daniel, and her brother Prince Carl Philip with his wife Princess Sofia. Notably absent were other European royals, highlighting the mixed reactions to the marriage within royal circles.
The wedding has further fueled public debate about the Norwegian royal family, which has seen declining support amid reports of family scandals and criticism of the couple’s actions. Märtha Louise, 52, who is fourth in line to the throne, announced in 2022 that she would no longer officially represent the Norwegian royal house. Despite this, she retains her title and has continued to attract attention for her alternative beliefs, claiming to communicate with angels. Verret, 49, has also made headlines for his claims of communicating with spirits and possessing a medallion that he says can ward off spells and cure diseases.
In a 2019 agreement with the royal family, Märtha Louise and Verret agreed not to use her royal status for commercial purposes. However, earlier this year, she controversially labeled bottles of gin with her royal title to launch a brand in time for the wedding, defying a directive from King Harald. After public backlash, the label was eventually changed.
Märtha Louise has three children from her previous marriage to Ari Behn, a Norwegian author and artist, whom she divorced in 2017 after 14 years of marriage. Verret, who will not receive a royal title or take on any official duties, will join the princess in what many see as an unconventional chapter in the history of European royalty.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
