A Royal Wedding Mired in Controversy: Princess Märtha Louise and Her Shaman Fiancé Tie the Knot Amidst Public Backlash
A Norwegian princess marrying her Hollywood fiancé — it sounds like exactly the sort of fairy tale to charm a world beset by war and political strife. But the wedding on Saturday of Princess Märtha Louise to Durek Verrett, an American spiritual healer and self-professed shaman, is mired in controversy and criticism. The nuptials, taking place in the scenic town of Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have intensified scrutiny and criticism of the views and associated businesses pedaled by the princess and the shaman. This has added to a growing tone of dissatisfaction with the historically popular Norwegian royals.
Key Takeaways:
- Princess Märtha Louise, the eldest daughter of Norway’s King Harald, is marrying Durek Verrett, an American spiritual healer who self-identifies as a shaman.
- Verrett’s controversial views and business practices have caused widespread outrage in Norway, with many criticizing his claims about alternative medicine and spiritual healing.
- The controversy surrounding the wedding has exacerbated public doubts about the Norwegian monarchy, leading to calls for constitutional change.
- The wedding is generating international attention, with Netflix and Hello! Magazine securing exclusive rights to the event.
A Controversial Union: Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett
The princess, 52, began dating Verrett in 2019 after divorcing her first husband two years earlier. The pair got engaged in 2022. The wedding will be attended by the Norwegian royal family, including King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. However, the event will also be graced by reality stars, media influencers, and TV personalities, further emphasizing the unconventional nature of the union.
Verrett’s Views and Practices Under Fire
Verrett, who describes himself as a "sixth-generation shaman," is known for promoting his unorthodox views on health, spirituality, and the world. These views have drawn significant criticism, particularly in Norway. In his 2019 book, "Spirit Hacking: Shamanic Keys to Reclaim Your Personal Power, Transform Yourself, and Light Up the World," Verrett makes claims such as:
- Children get cancer because they "want" it.
- Doctors administer chemotherapy for profit rather than patient well-being.
- Casual sex attracts "underworld entities" that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
- Overpopulation is humanity’s greatest threat, and women struggling to conceive is a sign of the "Earth attempting to self-correct."
These statements have been met with widespread condemnation from the medical community, health professionals, and the general public. Verrett also sells an online "shaman school" and a "spirit optimizer" that he claims can boost the immune system and strengthen organs. His claims have been labelled as "dangerous" and "unscrupulous" by prominent figures, including Norway’s health secretary and prime minister.
A Princess in a Similar Realm
Princess Märtha Louise herself has been involved with alternative medicine before meeting Verrett. She claims to be a clairvoyant and previously ran a school where she stated she could talk to angels. These activities also led to criticism in Norway, with accusations of the princess using her royal title to promote personal business interests.
In 2019, the Royal Court announced that the princess would no longer carry out official duties and that neither she nor Verrett would use royal titles on their social media channels or business ventures. This decision was made following the public backlash over the princess’s association with spiritual healing and her use of her title for profit.
A Growing Dissatisfaction with the Monarchy
The controversy surrounding the wedding has amplified existing concerns about the Norwegian monarchy. The recent scandal involving Marius Borg Høiby, Crown Prince Haakon’s stepson, who admitted to assaulting a woman while intoxicated, has further intensified public skepticism.
While the Norwegian monarchy has historically enjoyed strong public support, recent events have sparked calls for change, with some advocating for the abolition of the monarchy.
The Wedding and its Future Implications
The wedding is set to take place this weekend, despite public disapproval and criticism. The Royal Court has stated that they are "looking forward to being guests" at the wedding, but stand by their previous statements about the princess stepping back from royal duties.
While the wedding itself will be a spectacle, the long-term implications for the Norwegian monarchy remain uncertain. The choice by the princess to marry someone with such controversial views and practices has raised serious questions about her judgment and her commitment to the institution she represents.
Whether the monarchy can weather this storm remains to be seen. However, the wedding of Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett has undoubtedly set the stage for a chapter in Norwegian history that will likely be filled with both pomp and controversy.
