Wedding bells rang in Norway, as a royal celebration hit the city of Geiranger. It was the wedding ceremony of Norwegian princess, Martha Louise, who got married to an American shaman, Durek Verrett.
The celebration was beautiful and lasted for three days before culminating in a spectacular celebration. With a lot of controversy surrounding the wedding, everyone is curious as to the outcome and significance of the wedding.
Yes, They Do!
In a spectacular display of royalty, Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrert tied the knots in Geiranger, Norway. With the ceremony taking place in a large white tent with a lush scenery, this wedding was one befitting of the word ‘festival’. Like many royal weddings, this event was highlighted by the presence of different celebrities and dignitaries.
Top Norwegian and US artists were also not missing, serenading guests with beautiful music. Infact, one of the guests, Harald Rønneberg, a Norwegian TV personality said: “it was fantastic!. It was Hollywood meets Geiranger”, as it was a blend of cultures that culminated in a unique experience.
The Wedding That Shook The Throne
Of course, every white sky has a tinge of dark, and this wedding was not an exception. This was due to the controversy that surrounded the marriage of the Norwegian princess to the American shaman. Much of this controversy came from the fact that the couple sold the rights to their wedding photo to Hello! and the filming rights to Netflix.
Now this is against the local practices, and claims of commercialization were thrown around. Another issue that was being touted was the alternate belief of the couple which is a stringent requirement for Norwegian royals. This has raised questions about how the monarchy handled the situation, citing some level of modernity within the royal family.
Royal Status, Check!
Since Princess Martha Louise is considered fourth in line to the throne, marrying a commoner is not a favorable decision. The Princess, however, remained unshaken in her choice, deciding to vacate her royal duties.
That said, she retains the right to keep her title and will officially be accorded as such. Her husband on the other hand would not be getting royal titles or duties from this marriage, and it is hoped that this does not break his heart.
The Princess and Her Shaman
A major controversy concerning the marriage as stated earlier is the unconventional belief system of the couple. This has raised some concerns, as Verrett claims to be a shaman who has the ability to communicate with angels. He also claims that he has a medallion filled with healing powers.
This belief system clashes with the preexisting royal traditions, and has raised a lot of questions. Nonetheless, it has done nothing to the decision of the couple to forge ahead with their inclination, and the practice of it even amidst all the backlashes.
Final Remarks
The marriage between Princess Martha and Durel Verrett is rife with controversy. Their belief system, commercialization of the royal status and neglect of the royal traditions are major contributors. This has sparked debates amongst the locals and well wishers, as Norway potentially reshapes their perception of its royal institution.