On August 24, 2024, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Durek Verrett, a self-styled Californian shaman, exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Geiranger, Western Norway. The event, attended by 350 guests, marked a significant moment in European royal history, as Verrett became the first Black man to marry into a modern European royal family.
The wedding took place in the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site of Geiranger, known for its stunning fjord, approximately seven hours drive from Oslo. The 52-year-old princess, fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, wore a bespoke wedding dress adorned with the King Olav's Gift Tiara, a family heirloom she received on her 18th birthday. Verrett, 49, sported a black tuxedo embroidered with the couple's monograms, complemented by a gold cummerbund and tie knot.
"Our love has triumphed against all odds and will last forever"
The guest list included members of the Norwegian royal family, including King Harald, 87, and Queen Sonja, despite the king's recent health concerns. Representatives from the Swedish royal house, including Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, were also present. Notably, Princess Märtha Louise's three daughters from her previous marriage to the late Norwegian writer Ari Behn attended the ceremony.
The couple's union has been a subject of public interest and controversy since their relationship announcement in 2019. Both Princess Märtha Louise and Verrett claim to possess mystic powers and believe they met in Ancient Egypt in a past life. This unconventional aspect of their relationship, combined with Verrett's background as a self-proclaimed shaman and wellness guru, has divided public opinion in Norway.
In response to the controversy, the Norwegian palace announced in 2022 that Princess Märtha Louise would relinquish her patronage role to distinguish her activities from those of the Royal House of Norway. This decision reflects the challenges faced by modern monarchies in balancing tradition with evolving societal norms.
The wedding ceremony featured performances by Norwegian and US artists, a gospel choir, and a singer representing Norway's indigenous Sámi people, highlighting the couple's diverse cultural backgrounds. While Verrett has connections to celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, whom he refers to as his "soul sister," it was not confirmed whether she attended the event.
This union marks a significant shift in the Norwegian royal family, known for its relatively informal approach to monarchy. As a certified physiotherapist and author of books on spirituality and angels, Princess Märtha Louise has long been associated with alternative beliefs. Her marriage to Verrett, who has authored a book called "Spirit Hacking" and worked with various celebrities, further emphasizes this unconventional path.
The Norwegian monarchy, established in 1905 and one of the youngest in Europe, continues to evolve with this marriage. While Verrett will not receive a royal title, his inclusion in the family represents a modern approach to royal unions. As the couple embarks on their new life together, they face the challenge of balancing their public roles with their personal beliefs and practices.