The scenic town of Ålesund in western Norway has become the center of royal celebrations as festivities commence for the wedding of Princess Märtha Louise and her American partner, Durek Verrett, a self-styled shaman.
The event, marked by a blend of traditional and unconventional elements, has drawn significant attention both in Norway and internationally.
A Prelude to the Big Day
The celebrations began on Thursday with a “meet and greet” event at a historic hotel in Ålesund, where hundreds of guests gathered to honorthe couple.
Among the attendees were members of the Swedish royal family, social media influencers, and US reality star and model Cynthia Bailey. The guest list reflects the couple’s diverse and modern approach to life, blending royal traditions with a contemporary twist.
On Friday, the festivities continued with a sea voyage to the picturesque town of Geiranger, nestled on the shores of a fjord recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guests were treated to a light lunch on the boat, with the majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls providing a breathtaking backdrop to the journey.
The royal couple’s decision to incorporate Norway’s natural beauty into their wedding celebrations highlights their deep connection to the country and its heritage.
The couple is set to exchange vows in a private ceremony on Saturday, keeping the proceedings intimate and exclusive.
Norwegian media reports indicate that guests have been requested to refrain from using mobile phones or cameras during the celebrations and are asked not to post anything on social media.
This decision underscores the couple’s desire for privacy, despite the public interest in their union.
Princess Märtha Louise, 52, and Durek Verrett, 49, have been together since 2019, when the princess announced their relationship via Instagram. Since then, their romance has been under intense scrutiny, both in Norway and abroad.
Märtha Louise, a former equestrian and the eldest of Norwegian King Harald’s two children, has long been a controversial figure in her homeland due to her involvement in alternative treatments and spiritual practices.
Verrett, who describes himself as a sixth-generation shaman, has also faced criticism for his unconventional beliefs and practices. Despite the controversy, the couple has remained steadfast in their commitment to each other and their shared spiritual journey.
Navigating Tradition and Modernity
The royal wedding will follow a more traditional format, with Parish Priest Margit Lovise Holte officiating the ceremony according to the Norwegian Church’s wedding liturgy.
This nod to tradition contrasts with the couple’s more unconventional beliefs, demonstrating their respect for the royal customs while also staying true to themselves.
In recent years, Princess Märtha Louise has faced criticism from the Norwegian public and media, particularly concerning her use of her royal title in commercial endeavors.
In 2022, the Norwegian palace announced that Märtha Louise would relinquish her patronage role to avoid any misunderstandings regarding her and Verrett’s activities.
Although she retains her title, she no longer uses it for commercial purposes, reflecting a compromise between her royal duties and personal life.
A Controversial Partnership
Despite King Harald’s public support for the couple, acknowledging that he and Verrett “laughed a lot” together, many Norwegians remain skeptical of the shaman.
Royal correspondent Kristi Marie Skrede noted that many in Norway are critical of Verrett’s role as a shaman and his public statements. The cultural differences and Verrett’s unconventional views have led to a mixed reception from the Norwegian public.
Adding to the controversy, the couple’s decision to sign exclusive media deals with Hello! magazine and Netflix has upset many locals. The Norwegian media’s exclusion from covering the wedding has been a sore point, with Skrede pointing out that the public will only see the event if they purchase the magazine or watch the documentary.
As Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett embark on this new chapter in their lives, their wedding serves as a testament to the evolving nature of royal traditions in the modern world.
While they have faced criticism and controversy, the couple’s love and commitment to each other remain at the forefront of this weekend’s celebrations.
With the world watching, Märtha Louise and Verrett’s union symbolizes a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and spiritual belief.
As they continue their journey together, the couple is poised to navigate the challenges that come with being in the public eye while staying true to themselves and their shared values.
Source: BBC
