Norwegian princess marries shaman after stepping down from royal duties
A Norwegian princess has married a so-called shaman from the US in a wedding attended by social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities.
Princess Märtha Louise, 52, married Durek Verrett, who claims to be a sixth-generation shaman from California, in the small town of Geiranger, Norway.
The festivities all kicked off on Thursday, with the wedding ceremony taking place in a large white tent with stunning views of the fjords in the background.
Norwegian and US artists performed along with a gospel choir and a singer representing Norway’s indigenous Sámi people.
Among other attendees were the princess’ father King Harald, 87, who is in fragile health, together with Queen Sonja and other members of the Norwegian royal house.
Norwegian TV personality Harald Rønneberg said: ‘It was fantastic. It was Hollywood meets Geiranger.
‘It was gospel and love. We laughed, we clapped, and we were touched. It was absolutely beautiful.’
But the wedding has not been without some controversy after the couple sold the wedding photo rights to celebrity magazine Hello! and the film rights to Netflix.
Norwegian media say the arrangement goes against local practices.
The couple have often lashed out against the press while promoting themselves on social media.
There is also waning support for the Norwegian royal family particularly around unruly family member who face preliminary domestic violence charges.
Princess Märtha and Durek first hit the headlines for their interest in alternative beliefs and Märtha said in 2022 she would no longer officially represent the Norwegian royal house.
The princess claims she can talk to angels and Durek claims he can communicate with a broad range of spirits and has a medallion which helps ward off spells and cure diseases.
Durek will not have a royal title despite the pair now being married.
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