Martha and her shaman initiate their nuptial festivities, led by Martha Louise.
Norwegian Princess Martha Louise and her upcoming spouse, Durek Verrett, have initiated their three-day pre-wedding festivities. On the evening of Thursday, they welcomed their loved ones and closest friends to a pre-party at Hotel 1904 in Ålesund.
The event's theme was "sexy and cool," as reported by "Hello!" magazine, which is covering the wedding. Pictures and videos show guests in vibrant and eye-catching attire, mostly from Norwegian and American backgrounds.
The couple sported a fantastic pink and white coordinated outfit from the Norwegian brand Hést, co-founded by Martha Louise herself. As the party commenced, Martha Louise's sister-in-law, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was spotted wearing a denim outfit and a face mask.
Attendees Include Parents Emperor Harald and Queen Sonja
Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett will exchange their vows on Saturday in Geiranger, surrounded by approximately 350 guests. Ahead of the ceremony, the wedding guests, including Martha's children Maud (20), Leah (18), and Emma (15), will journey to the venue by boat through the stunning Geiranger fjord. On the eve of Friday, a party with a Latin American theme will be held. Princess Martha Louise's parents, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, are expected to attend the wedding on Saturday but will miss the pre-party kick-off events.
For the eldest sister of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, this marriage marks her second. She was wedded to Ari Behn from 2002 to 2017, with whom she shares three daughters. The royal pair has officially been in a relationship since 2018 and became engaged in 2022. Verrett is a sixth-generation shaman who offers spiritual support, which piqued Martha Louise's interest in esoteric practices. Although some Norwegians have a critical view of him and his activities, others welcome this unconventional blend of spirituality with royalty.
In November 2022, Princess Martha Louise publicly announced that she would no longer perform her official royal duties in Norway's court. King Harald granted her permission to retain her princess title, citing a desire to separate their business ventures from their courtly roles as the rationale behind this move.
This upcoming marriage between Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett will make it her second marital union, following her first with Ari Behn from 2002 to 2017. Several hundred guests, including her parents Emperor Harald and Queen Sonja, will be present at the marriages in Geiranger on Saturday.
