Norwegian princess marries US shaman before star-studded audience
Princess Martha Louise is King Harald’s eldest child.
Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as the Norwegian king’s eldest child, Princess Martha Louise, married an American self-professed shaman in a wedding ceremony following three days of festivities.
The 52-year-old Martha Louise and Durek Verret, who claims to be a sixth-generation shaman from California, tied the knot in the picturesque town of Geiranger, one of Norway’s major tourist attractions located on a fjord.
Following festivities that started on Thursday, the actual wedding ceremony took place in a large white tent set up on a lush lawn.
The deals prompted protests from Norwegian media, which say it goes against local practices. The couple has often lashed out against the press while promoting themselves on social media.
The 87-year-old King Harald, who has been in fragile health the past few years, attended his daughter’s wedding together with Queen Sonja and other member of the Norwegian royal house.
The wedding comes amid widespread criticism of the couple’s actions and waning support for the Norwegian royals, who have also been plagued by negative reports about an unruly family member who faces preliminary domestic violence charges.
Martha Louise and Verret, 49, have attracted headlines with their alternative beliefs. She is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne but said in 2022 that she will no longer officially represent the Norwegian royal house.
They became engaged in 2022. Following their marriage, Verret will not have a royal title or official duties.
In a 2019 deal, Martha Louise and Verret agreed not to use her connection to the royal house or her title for commercial purposes.
Martha Louise has three children from her previous marriage with Ari Behn, whom she divorced in 2017 after 14 years of marriage.
