Norwegian Princess Martha Louise gave up her royal duties this week to follow her heart and marry an American traditional healer.
The 51-year-old princess, who is an outspoken believer in alternative healing practices, got engaged to Durek Verrett in June.
Princess Martha, the daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, said the decision was amicable but she has nonetheless shaken up the royal family.
In a media statement, the royal family said there have been “some adjustments,” including Martha Louise dropping her official roles.
“The princess is relinquishing the role as royal patron and will not be representing the royal house at the present time,” said the statement.
“From now on, the princess and Mr Verrett are seeking to distinguish more clearly between their activities and the Royal House of Norway.”
Martha Louise will keep her title, “but the couple will not indicate an association with the Royal House of Norway in their social media channels.”
Queen Sonja said Verrett is a great man and that her daughter’s decision to step back from royal duties fits everyone’s best interests.
“Even if we disagree on things, we are happy with each other,” Sonja said.
In a video on her Instagram account soon after the engagement, the princess said: “Every time a person in the royal family gets engaged it creates media storms, and this time as well.”
The New York Times reports that since the engagement, Verrett – a celebrity healer – has received criticism from Norwegian media and the public for saying he used a good luck charm to fight the Coronavirus.
Verrett has in the past also said that cancer is a choice.
Princess Martha Louise is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne.
Compiled by Kamogelo Olaitan
Pictured above: Princess Martha Louise and her fiance Durek Verrett
Image source: The Guardian
