In an Instagram job shared on Wednesday, the princess and her American beau appeared in a photo dressed in matching soft pink and white tones, with her arm resting on her shoulder. “I love you darling. I’m so happy to walk the journey of life with you,” the princess wrote in a comment. “I love you darling. You are my everything,” Verrett posted on her page.
Martha is the eldest child of King Harald V of Norway and his only daughter. The throne will be inherited by his younger brother, Crown Prince Haakon. A Constitution amendment in 1990, it was now possible for the eldest child to inherit the throne in Norway, regardless of gender.
Martha, 51, and Verrett, 48, caused a sensation when they announced their commitment to June Last year. Some of his more dubious claims have come under scrutiny in Norway. He suggested cancer could strike unfortunate people and claimed to have predicted a global “blackout” in early 2020, linked to the coronavirus pandemic. He also reportedly said that having too many sexual partners leaves women with “footprints” that need to be cleaned.
On his official site, Verrett describes himself as a “6th generation shaman,” a “visionary,” and a best-selling author. The Californian also runs a “Shaman School” and online “Wokeshops”. which allow participants to “tap into their personal power, while unblocking the negative patterns that prevent them from achieving their optimal human performance.” Her website claims that her teachings “have touched thousands of people” and cites public figures such as actresses Nina Dobrev and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Following their engagement, the palace said in a statement she would give up most royal duties. “The Princess is taking this step to create a clearer line between her business activities and her role as a member of the royal family,” the statement said.
Although her father, the king, allowed the princess to retain her title, the statement added that when the couple married, “in accordance with tradition (Verrett) will not have a title nor represent the royal house of Norway “. Nevertheless, he “will be part of the royal family”, as others have done, the press release added.
This week, a brief statement of the palace congratulated the couple.
“The Queen and I are delighted that Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett have announced their wedding plans,” Harald said in the statement. “We are happy to include Durek Verrett in our family and look forward to celebrating this big day with them.” We wish Märtha and Durek all the best.
The move follows other stories of modern love shaking up centuries-old royal traditions. Notably, Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, chose to “step back” from their royal duties in 2020 before moving to the United States.
In Japan too, Princess Mako fell in love with Kei Komuro, a commoner and faced intense public pressure to give up her imperial title to marry her college sweetheart.
The Norwegian palace has sentenced what he called “racist attitudes” toward Verrett, who is black, adding that they “consider it a strength that the Royal House reflects Norway’s ethnic diversity.”
The princess said this week that their wedding would take place at the Union Hotel in Geiranger on August 31, 2024.
She described the region of western Norway as having “spectacular fjords and spectacular mountains” and as being a site that “represents the rich culture and natural beauty of Norway”. Most members of the royal family traditionally get married in Oslo Cathedral.
“Märtha and I are extremely happy to celebrate our love in the beautiful surroundings of Geiranger… in a place so rich in Norwegian history,” Verrett wrote. online. “Geiranger is the perfect place to embrace our love.”
Martha was previously married to author Ari Behn, with whom she had three daughters. They divorced in 2017 and he died in 2019.
In announcing her engagement to Verrett, she said he “makes my heart beat” and that he “sees and recognizes me according to my highest potential”.
Sammy Westfall contributed to this report.
