As Princess Märtha Louise of Norway prepares to marry American shaman Durek Verrett, the impending nuptials are capturing widespread attention, not only due to the unique nature of their union but also because of Verrett’s controversial past. The marriage, which joins a member of one of Europe’s oldest monarchies with a self-proclaimed spiritual healer, is raising eyebrows both in Norway and abroad.
Verrett’s Controversial Background
Durek Verrett, who has made headlines for his unconventional beliefs and claims, will marry Princess Märtha Louise on Saturday. However, Verrett has clarified that the event will be a renewal of vows, rather than an exchange of new ones. Among Verrett’s most talked-about statements are his assertions that he was once HIV-positive and that he experienced resurrection after a life-threatening kidney failure in 2002. Adding to the intrigue, he claims to have lived as a pharaoh in a previous life, with Princess Märtha Louise as his queen.
A Love Story That Defies Norms
Princess Märtha Louise, a 52-year-old clairvoyant who claims to have the ability to communicate with angels, publicly confirmed her relationship with Verrett in May 2019. They met through a mutual friend and became engaged in June 2022. Märtha Louise, who was previously married, has described Verrett as her “twin flame” and responded to critics by stating, “I don’t choose my partner to fit any of the norms or boxes people have set for me.”
Verrett proposed to the princess with a stunning pale green Brazilian emerald and diamond ring, a symbol of their deep connection. He also sought and received the approval of her parents, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when they were separated, the couple kept their bond strong through long letters and poetry, which they have both openly shared on social media.
Märtha Louise Steps Back from Royal Duties
In November 2022, Märtha Louise made the decision to step down from her official royal duties, though she retained her title. She agreed not to use her royal status for commercial purposes, a move that some saw as an attempt to navigate the challenges posed by her relationship with Verrett.
Verrett’s Controversies and High-Profile Clientele
Verrett, who once made headlines for an arrest related to unpaid bus fare, is now set to join one of Europe’s most prestigious royal families. In a 2020 interview with Vanity Fair, Verrett claimed to have grown up in luxury, complete with house help and a private jet, attributing this lifestyle to his father’s success as a renowned architect. However, his mother disputed this portrayal, insisting that his childhood was far from the affluent image he painted.
One of the most unusual stories Verrett has shared is his claim of dying and coming back to life after suffering from kidney failure in 2002. He has also spoken about his experience of being HIV-positive, though the details of these accounts remain unverified. These bold claims, which Verrett views as pivotal to his journey as a shaman, have added to the intrigue surrounding his upcoming marriage to Princess Märtha Louise.