A planned royal wedding has a story behind it that sounds like a soap opera.
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway is preparing to marry her fiancé, Durek Verrett, an American self-described shaman, on August 31, 2024, in the picturesque Geirangerfjord, but the couple faces a whirlwind of controversies that have cast a shadow over what should be a joyous occasion.
While the wedding should be a celebration of love, it’s been marred by a series of dramatic events involving both the bride and groom and their extended families.
Princess Märtha Louise, 52, the daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, has long been a figure of interest, known for her spiritual beliefs and offbeat lifestyle, but her relationship with Verrett, 49, has amplified the scrutiny. Known for his unconventional beliefs and pseudoscientific claims, including the controversial assertion that childhood cancer is caused by unhappiness, Verrett has been at the center of a media storm. His views, which many find troubling, led to Märtha Louise stepping down from her official royal duties in 2022. The decision was a significant one, reflecting the intense public pressure and the difficulties the princess has faced in balancing her personal life with her royal responsibilities.
The couple’s challenges have been compounded by ongoing family disputes, particularly with Verrett’s estranged mother, Veruschka Urquhart. The relationship between Verrett and his mother has been fraught for years, but it came to a head recently when Urquhart accused her son of manipulating Märtha Louise and fabricating stories about their family’s wealth. In response, Märtha Louise and Verrett issued a cease-and-desist letter, threatening legal action if Urquhart did not retract her statements. The letter, which also used Märtha Louise’s royal title, sparked further controversy and criticism, with many questioning the princess’s continued use of her title in commercial and legal matters.
This family drama is just one of the many challenges the Norwegian royal family has faced in recent months. Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently involved in a serious incident that led to preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage. The incident occurred in downtown Oslo, where police responded to a disturbance and briefly detained Borg Høiby, who is now facing potential legal consequences. The case has garnered significant media attention in Norway, where the royal family is highly regarded, and has added to the overall tension surrounding Märtha Louise’s upcoming wedding.
Princess Mette-Marit, who was scheduled to attend the Paris Olympics shortly after the incident, postponed her trip in light of the situation. Crown Prince Haakon, her husband, traveled to Paris alone, acknowledging the severity of the case but refraining from providing further details. The royal couple’s response has been measured, but the incident has undoubtedly added to the stress the family is experiencing as they prepare for Märtha Louise’s wedding.
Despite these challenges, the bride and groom, Märtha Louise and Verrett, remain committed to their wedding plans. They have chosen the Union Hotel in Geirangerfjord, Norway as the venue for their nuptials, a location known for its stunning natural beauty and its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The couple has expressed their excitement about the wedding, with Märtha Louise highlighting the significance of the location and its connection to Norway’s rich cultural heritage. “We’re so happy to be celebrating our love in the beautiful surroundings of Geiranger,” she wrote on Instagram. “It means a lot to us to gather our loved ones in a place that is so rich in history and intense nature.
The wedding is not just a personal milestone for Märtha Louise and Verrett but also a significant event for the Norwegian royal family. However, the ongoing controversies have led to renewed calls for King Harald to strip his daughter of her princess title. Critics argue that Märtha Louise’s continued use of her title, especially in commercial and legal contexts, undermines the dignity of the monarchy. The debate over her title has been ongoing since she stepped down from her royal duties, and it has only intensified as her wedding date approaches.
Märtha Louise has been open about the challenges she has faced due to her relationship with Verrett. In interviews, she has spoken about the intense criticism she has received, not just for her personal beliefs but also for her choice of partner.
Verrett, for his part, has also been vocal about the challenges they face as an interracial couple. He has shared that they have received death threats and faced significant backlash from those who disapprove of their relationship. Despite the difficulties, Verrett remains committed to Märtha Louise, stating that he is willing to “go through the fire” with her. He has also defended his spiritual practices and beliefs, arguing that they are misunderstood and unfairly criticized by the media and the public.
As the wedding date draws near, the couple is likely to continue facing scrutiny, both from the public and the media. The Norwegian royal family, too, will be under the spotlight as they navigate these challenges and support Märtha Louise in her decision to marry Verrett.
Whether the wedding will bring a sense of closure to the controversies or further fuel the debates remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Geirangerfjord, where the couple will soon exchange their vows against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty and ongoing drama.
