Norway’s Princess Martha Louise married American magician Durik Verrit on 31 August. As soon as the news of this marriage came in the media, it has been a topic of discussion from Norway to the global level. This ceremony was completed in a very private manner in a hotel located in the beautiful picturesque area of Geiranger and it has also highlighted the conflict that has emerged between the traditional dignity of the monarchy and personal freedom.
Princess Martha Louise and Durik Verrit had a love marriage and the exciting journey of this love is like a fairy tale. Often princesses imagine a magician who will come from another world and change everything around them as they wish… So all this has really happened in the life of Norwegian Princess Martha. A few years ago a magician came into her life, who has now made her his own. This marriage has changed everything in Martha’s life. Her old sorrows, her worries and even her royal life.
When these two met for the first time, it was the most important meeting of their lives. Verit considered Martha to be his “soulmate” and said that this meeting was spiritually important for him. At the same time, Martha saw it as a new direction in her life. However, as soon as this love story came to the fore, controversies also arose. When the news of their relationship became public, not only the royal family, but the general public also gave mixed reactions. Due to Princess Martha Louise’s spiritual beliefs and Verit being a magician and shaman (Tantra – one who heals through religious rituals), there was both opposition and support in the society regarding this relationship. In Norway, where spirituality and shamanism are traditionally considered taboo, this relationship forced the society to think.
Princess Märtha Louise and Duric Verit’s wedding plans were kept completely private. The wedding was held at a hotel in Geiranger, attended by family and close friends. Breaking from royal traditions, the ceremony had neither a large crowd nor public celebration. Photos and videos of the wedding were sold exclusively to “Hello!” magazine, and a documentary team from Netflix was also present. The presence of these major media companies caused outrage in the local media, as they were excluded from the special occasion.
Princess Martha Louise’s parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, were present for the occasion. Additionally, members of the royal families of Sweden and the Netherlands also attended the ceremony. Martha’s three daughters from her first marriage were also present. However, none of Verit’s alleged A-list American friends appeared at the ceremony. The 49-year-old California resident has publicly shared her friendship with Gwyneth Paltrow, considering her her “soul sister.”
Princess Martha Louise and Durik Verrit announced their engagement in 2022. Following this, the Norwegian Palace announced that Martha Louise would relinquish her royal patron role to establish a clear distinction between her personal and royal functions. The decision was aimed at avoiding any misunderstanding regarding the reputation of the royal family. Following this decision, the couple faced criticism by the royal family and members of the Norwegian Parliament, as they were accused of using their royal status for commercial gain.
Last year, Martha Louise spoke about her decision to choose a new path away from her “traditional royal” responsibilities in a media interview. She pointed out that her spiritual beliefs have been criticised in Norway, where spiritualism and shamanism are considered taboo subjects. Martha had previously claimed to be a prophet and until 2018 ran a school that taught students to “perform miracles” and speak to angels. Verit has also said she is the latest link in six generations of shamans and once said she was dead for four minutes and 25 seconds.
The wedding is an important event not only for the Norwegian royal family, but also for Norwegian society as a whole. The controversy highlights the issue of balance between royal responsibilities, personal life and business interests. The incident could have a profound impact on the future of the Norwegian royal family and their reputation in the public eye.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)