Princess Martha Louise of Norway: Why This Royal Renegade Still Divides the North

She isn't your average royal. Not by a long shot. If you’re looking for the poised, silent, and somewhat beige tradition of European monarchies, Princess Martha Louise of Norway will leave you staring.

Most royals spend their lives trying to blend into the furniture of history. Martha Louise? She’s been busy talking to angels, marrying a "6th generation shaman" from California, and getting caught in the crosshairs of a nation that isn't quite sure what to do with a Princess who claims she can see into other realms.

Honestly, the drama surrounding her isn't just tabloid fodder; it’s a genuine constitutional headache for the House of Glücksburg. As of 2026, the dust is still settling from her 2024 wedding, but the questions about her title and her influence haven't gone anywhere.

The Wedding That Shook Geiranger

In August 2024, the world’s cameras descended on the Geirangerfjord. This wasn't just another royal wedding with tiaras and stiff protocols. It was a three-day festival of love, spirituality, and—if you ask the Norwegian press—commercial exploitation.

Princess Martha Louise married Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed shaman who has built a massive following (and a fair share of enemies) in Hollywood. He’s worked with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, which tells you everything you need to know about his brand of "spiritual healing."

The wedding itself was a spectacle. Guests were whisked through the fjords. The King and Queen were there, though they looked a bit like parents at a party they didn't quite understand. But here’s the kicker: the couple sold the exclusive rights to the wedding to Hello! magazine and Netflix.

In Norway, that’s a big "no-no."

The Norwegian people view their royal family as public property, funded by taxpayers. Selling a wedding to a streaming giant felt, to many, like the Princess was cashing in on a title that belongs to the state. It reignited the firestorm about whether she should even be called a Princess anymore.

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That Persistent "Angel School" Problem

Long before Durek came into the picture, Martha Louise was already the "black sheep."

She’s a certified physiotherapist, but she didn't stick to the clinics. In 2007, she co-founded Astarte Education. People quickly dubbed it the "Angel School." For a cool 72,000 NOK, you could learn how to communicate with celestial beings.

Critics were brutal.

• They called her "Princess Plenty More of Have-It-All."
• Scientists labeled her work "pseudoscientific."
• The church was... well, let's just say they weren't thrilled about competition in the "unseen world" department.

She’s always maintained that she’s had these "gifts" since childhood. She says she used to talk to horses and felt their energy long before she understood what it was. Whether you believe her or think it’s a clever bit of branding, you can’t deny her conviction. She’s stood her ground for decades, even when her popularity in Norway plummeted to record lows.

Why Durek Verrett is the Most Controversial Royal Spouse in Recent Memory

Let’s be real: Durek isn’t exactly "palace material" in the traditional sense.

He’s claimed he can turn atoms to reverse aging. He’s suggested children get cancer because they "want it." He’s even marketed a $200 medallion that he claimed cured COVID-19.

It’s heavy stuff.

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King Harald V, Martha’s father, has been incredibly patient. He’s an 88-year-old man (as of 2026) who just wants his daughter to be happy, but he’s also the head of a thousand-year-old institution. He’s had to walk a razor-thin line.

After the 2024 wedding, the official stance remained: Durek is part of the family, but he has no title. He doesn't represent the Royal House. He’s just... there. Except he’s not "just" there; he’s a lightning rod for criticism every time he opens his mouth on Instagram or in a Netflix docuseries.

The Current State of the Crown

So, where does she stand now?

Martha Louise is currently fourth in line to the throne. She’s behind her brother, Crown Prince Haakon, and his two children, Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus.

Technically, she stopped representing the Royal House in an official capacity in late 2022. She no longer has patronages. She doesn't cut ribbons or open hospitals on behalf of the King.

The agreement was simple: she keeps the title of "Princess," but she can’t use it for business.

Does she follow that? Sorta.

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Her Instagram handle is still @PrincessMarthaLouise. Every time she launches a clothing line or a gin brand, the "Princess" part is the first thing people see. It’s a loophole that drives the Norwegian media crazy. They see it as a violation of the spirit of the agreement, even if she’s technically following the letter of the law.

What You Should Know About the Future of the Norwegian Monarchy

1. King Harald’s Health: At 88, the King's health is a constant topic in Oslo. When the throne eventually passes to Haakon, the rules for Martha Louise might get even stricter.
2. The "Rebel Royals" Effect: Their Netflix documentary has given them a global platform that bypasses the Norwegian media entirely. They are building a brand that is independent of the palace.
3. Public Sentiment: Polls in Norway have shown that a majority of people think she should lose the title for good. It’s a PR nightmare that Haakon will have to clean up eventually.

Moving Beyond the Headlines

If you want to understand the real Princess Martha Louise of Norway, you have to look past the "shaman" and the "angels."

She’s a woman who grew up in a cage of expectation. In the 70s and 80s, the rules for royal women were even narrower than they are today. She was the firstborn but was skipped over for the throne because of her gender (the law changed later, but wasn't retroactive for her).

She’s spent her life trying to find a version of herself that isn't just "the King's daughter."

Does she get it wrong? Frequently. Does she frustrate her countrymen? Absolutely. But she’s also one of the few royals who is living exactly how she wants to, regardless of the cost to her reputation.

Your next steps for staying updated:

If you're following this saga, keep a close eye on the official Royal House of Norway (Kongehuset) announcements. They are the only ones who can clarify her standing if the title situation changes. Also, look for long-form reporting from Aftenposten or NRK—they offer the most nuanced perspective on how the Norwegian public actually feels, which is often very different from the "glamour" shown in international magazines. For a deeper look at her personal philosophy, her older books on spiritualism offer a clear window into her mindset before the Durek era began.