On August 31, 2024, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway married her American partner, Durek Verrett, a self-identified shaman, in the picturesque Geirangerfjord.

The pair pledged their love in the presence of 350 guests. For her wedding attire, the Norwegian Princess wore a gown by Tina Steffenakk Hermansen and King Olav’s Gift Tiara. Post-nuptials, Märtha Louise stated, “Our love has overcome all challenges and will endure forever.”

However, the couple has been embroiled in numerous controversies that have drawn attention away from their nuptials.

Rather than a purely joyous event, the wedding was colored by several dramatic events involving the couple and their families.

Princess Märtha Louise, 52, the daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, has long been a topic of fascination due to her spiritual beliefs and unconventional lifestyle. Her relationship with the 49-year-old Verrett, who is known for his unique beliefs and unverified claims, has further intensified public scrutiny. One such claim, that unhappiness leads to childhood cancer, has been controversial. This heightened attention led to Märtha Louise stepping down from her official royal duties in 2022, a move indicative of the considerable public pressure and the difficulties she has experienced in balancing her personal and royal responsibilities.

The couple’s challenges have been aggravated by ongoing family disputes, particularly with Verrett’s estranged mother, Veruschka Urquhart. The strained relationship between Verrett and his mother came to a head when Urquhart publicly accused her son of manipulating Märtha Louise and fabricating stories about their family’s wealth. In retaliation, Märtha Louise and Verrett sought a cease-and-desist order, threatening to take legal action if Urquhart did not retract her accusations. The inclusion of Märtha Louise’s royal title in the letter stirred further controversy and criticism, with many questioning the princess’s continued use of her title in business and legal affairs.

This family dispute is just one in a series of recent challenges for the Norwegian royal family. Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was recently involved in a serious incident in downtown Oslo that led to preliminary charges of bodily harm and property damage. Borg Høiby was temporarily detained by the police. This incident has garnered significant media attention in Norway, where the royal family is highly respected, and added to the tension surrounding Märtha Louise’s wedding.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, scheduled to attend the Paris Olympics shortly after the incident, postponed her visit. Crown Prince Haakon, her spouse and Marius’ step-father, traveled to Paris alone, acknowledging the seriousness of the case but not elaborating further. The royal couple’s reaction was measured, but the incident undoubtedly added to the family’s stress.

Despite these challenges, Märtha Louise and Verrett proceeded with their wedding plans. They selected the Union Hotel in Geirangerfjord, Norway, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as their wedding venue. Märtha Louise highlighted the significance of the location and its connection to Norway’s rich cultural history. “We’re so happy to be celebrating our love in the beautiful surroundings of Geiranger,” she shared on Instagram. “It means a lot to us to gather our loved ones in a place that is so rich in history and intense nature.”

The wedding marked not only a personal milestone for Märtha Louise and Verrett but also a significant event for the Norwegian royal family. However, the ongoing controversies have reignited calls for King Harald to remove his daughter’s princess title. Critics argue that Märtha Louise’s continued use of her title, especially in business and legal dealings, diminishes the respectability of the monarchy. The debate over her title has been ongoing since her resignation from her royal duties.

Märtha Louise has been open about the difficulties she has encountered due to her relationship with Verrett. In interviews, she has discussed the intense criticism she has faced, not just for her personal beliefs but also for her choice of spouse.

Verrett, for his part, has also been vocal about the hardships they face as an interracial couple. He has revealed that they have been the target of death threats and have faced significant backlash from those who disapprove of their relationship. Despite these challenges, Verrett remains committed to Märtha Louise, expressing his willingness to “go through the fire” with her. He has also defended his spiritual practices and beliefs, contending that they are misunderstood and unfairly criticized by the media and the public.

The couple will likely continue to face scrutiny from both the public and the media. The Norwegian royal family will also be in the spotlight as they navigate these challenges and support Märtha Louise in her decision to marry Verrett.