Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, the daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, is set to marry her American fiancé, Durek Verrett, on August 31, 2024. The wedding, however, is not without its controversies.

The upcoming marriage at Geirangerfjord, known for its scenic beauty, has been overshadowed by a series of events involving both the bride and groom and their extended families. Märtha Louise, 52, and Verrett, 49, have been under increased scrutiny due to their unconventional beliefs and lifestyles.

Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed shaman, has been criticized for his controversial claims, including that childhood cancer is caused by unhappiness. This scrutiny led to Märtha Louise stepping down from her royal duties in 2022, a major decision reflecting the pressures of public opinion and the difficulty in balancing personal life with royal obligations.

The couple also faces family disputes, particularly with Verrett’s estranged mother, Veruschka Urquhart. The tensions escalated when Urquhart accused her son of manipulating Märtha Louise and lying about their family’s wealth. In retaliation, the couple threatened legal action, causing further controversy and criticism over the princess’s use of her royal title in commercial and legal affairs.

Another issue for the Norwegian royal family is the recent legal trouble of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Borg Høiby was involved in an incident in downtown Oslo, leading to charges of bodily harm and criminal damage.

Following the incident, Princess Mette-Marit postponed her scheduled trip to the Paris Olympics. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, traveled alone to Paris, acknowledging the seriousness of the case but providing no further details.

Despite the controversies, Märtha Louise and Verrett are looking forward to their wedding at the Union Hotel in Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Märtha Louise expressed the importance of the venue’s historical and natural significance on Instagram. However, critics argue that her continued use of the princess title, particularly in legal and commercial contexts, undermines the monarchy’s dignity.

The couple has spoken about the difficulties they face due to their interracial relationship, including receiving death threats and facing backlash over their relationship. Nonetheless, Verrett remains committed to Märtha Louise and has defended his spiritual practices and beliefs.

As the wedding date approaches, the couple and the Norwegian royal family are likely to face continued public and media scrutiny. The outcome of these controversies and the impact on the wedding remain to be seen.