Norwegian princess marries self-proclaimed American shaman in lavish ceremony

Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests, as the eldest child of the King of Norway, Princess Martha Louisemarried a self-proclaimed American shaman on Saturday in a wedding ceremony after three days of festivities.

Märtha Louise, 52, and Durek Verrett, who claims to be a sixth-generation shaman from California, were married in the picturesque town of Geiranger, one of Norway’s top tourist attractions set on a fjord with stunning views.

After the festivities began Thursday, the actual wedding ceremony took place in a large white tent set up on a lush lawn. Guests told media that Norwegian and American artists performed at the event, as well as a gospel choir and a singer representing Norway’s indigenous Sámi people.

“It was fantastic! It was like Hollywood and Geiranger,” Norwegian TV presenter Harald Rønneberg told public broadcaster NRK at a colourful ceremony. “It was gospel and love. We laughed, we clapped and we were touched. It was absolutely beautiful.”

The couple sold the wedding photo rights to British magazine Hello! and the film rights to Netflix. The deals have sparked protests from Norwegian media outlets, which say the deal goes against local practices. The couple has often lashed out at the press when promoting it on social media.

King Harald, 87, who has been in poor health for some years, attended his daughter’s wedding with Queen Sonja and other members of the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel represented the Swedish royal family, along with her brother Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia. No other members of the European royal family attended the wedding.

The wedding comes amid widespread criticism of the couple’s actions and waning support for the Norwegian royal family, which has also been plagued by negative reports about an unruly family member who faces preliminary charges of domestic violence.

Märtha Louise and Verrett, 49, have made headlines with their alternative beliefs. She is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, but said in 2022 that she would no longer officially represent the Norwegian royal house.

The princess — she retained her title — said she could speak with angels, while Verrett claims he communicates with a wide range of spirits and has a medallion that helps ward off spells and cure illnesses.

They got engaged in 2022. After their wedding, Verrett will no longer have a royal title or official duties.

In a 2019 agreement, Märtha Louise and Verrett agreed not to use her connection to the royal house or her title for commercial purposes.

But earlier this year, Märtha Louise labelled bottles of gin with her title and launched the brand in time for the wedding, defying King Harald’s directive that she should not profit from her royal status. The label was eventually changed.

Märtha Louise has three children from her previous marriage to author and playwright Ari Behn, from whom she divorced in 2017 after 14 years of marriage.