A Royal Wedding with a Modern Twist

In a wedding ceremony that blended tradition with modern flair, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, the eldest child of King Harald, married American shaman Durek Verrett on Saturday. The event, held in the picturesque town of Geiranger, Norway, followed three days of festivities that brought together social media influencers, reality stars, and TV personalities.

The 52-year-old princess and Verrett, who claims to be a sixth-generation shaman from California, chose the stunning backdrop of Geiranger, known for its breathtaking fjord views, for their nuptials. The couple’s wedding, marked by both Norwegian and American cultural elements, was described as a perfect fusion of “Hollywood meets Geiranger.”

A Celebration of Love and Culture

The actual wedding ceremony took place in a large white tent set up on a lush lawn, with performances by Norwegian and U.S. artists, including a gospel choir and a singer representing Norway’s indigenous Sámi people. The colorful and emotional ceremony was praised by guests, with Norwegian TV personality Harald Rønneberg telling public broadcaster NRK, “It was gospel and love. We laughed, we clapped, and we were touched. It was absolutely beautiful.”

The couple sold exclusive photo rights to the British celebrity magazine Hello! and film rights to Netflix, a move that sparked criticism from Norwegian media, who argued that this commercial arrangement goes against local traditions. Despite the controversy, the couple has continued to leverage their public personas, often using social media to promote themselves while pushing back against media scrutiny.

Royal Guests and Controversies

The wedding was attended by King Harald, who despite his fragile health, made a point to be there along with Queen Sonja and other members of the Norwegian royal family. From the Swedish royal family, Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel, as well as Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, were present. However, no other European royals were in attendance, which added to the unique character of the event.

The marriage of Märtha Louise and Verrett has not been without its share of controversy. The couple, known for their alternative beliefs and public statements, have faced significant criticism both in Norway and internationally. Märtha Louise, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, stepped back from her official royal duties in 2022, stating she would no longer represent the Norwegian royal house in an official capacity.

Despite retaining her royal title, Märtha Louise has become known for her belief in spiritual practices, including her claim that she can communicate with angels. Verrett, her new husband, has made headlines for his own spiritual beliefs, claiming he communicates with spirits and possesses a medallion that can ward off spells and cure diseases.

Challenges and Controversies

Their relationship has been a lightning rod for media attention and public debate, especially regarding their use of Märtha Louise’s royal connections. In 2019, the couple agreed not to use her royal title for commercial purposes. However, earlier this year, Märtha Louise launched a brand of gin using her title, a move that defied King Harald’s directive. The label was eventually changed after significant public and media backlash.

The wedding also comes at a time of waning support for the Norwegian royal family, exacerbated by reports of an unruly family member facing preliminary domestic violence charges. The marriage of Märtha Louise and Verrett, with its mix of spiritual and royal elements, adds another layer to the ongoing debates about the role and relevance of the monarchy in modern Norwegian society.

A New Chapter for Märtha Louise

Märtha Louise has three children from her previous marriage to author and playwright Ari Behn, whom she divorced in 2017 after 14 years of marriage. Following her marriage to Verrett, he will not receive a royal title or take on any official duties within the Norwegian royal family.

As the couple embarks on this new chapter, they continue to navigate the complexities of being in the public eye while maintaining their personal beliefs and lifestyle choices. The wedding in Geiranger, with its blend of royal tradition and modern celebrity culture, marks a significant moment not just for the couple, but for the evolving image of royalty in the 21st century.