Princess Märtha Louise's Royal Family to Skip Wedding Photos Over Controversial Media Deal: Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Heart Smart Convos/Instagram

Princess Märtha Louiseof Norway’s wedding next week might not include a photo op with other members of the Norwegian royal family.

King HaraldandQueen Sonja’s only daughter is set to wedShaman Durek Verrettat Hotel Union in Geiranger in Norway on Aug. 31, andHello!magazineannounced that it will be covering the nuptials. TheNorwegian Broadcasting Company(NRK) also reported that the wedding’s television rights are connected to Netflix, per a translation to English.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (center, standing) poses with members of her family, including her aunt Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett (second row, middle left) at the gala dinner held in honor of her 18th birthday on June 17, 2022.Hakon Mosvold Larsen/Getty

Hakon Mosvold Larsen/Getty

The outlet said that other media “will have limited access to the wedding and will not be able to document the wedding.” According to NRK, the public and the press will get to see Princess Märtha Louise, 52, and Durek, 49, when they step out to greet well-wishers after their wedding, with “one or more photos of the bride and groom with their family” to be circulated afterwards. Photos from the wedding itself will come fromHello!, NRK said.

The guidance might mean that the family picture includes Princess Märtha Louise’s daughters Maud Angelica, 21, Leah Isadora, 19, and Emma Tallulah, 15, whom she shares with her late ex-husband, Ari Behn.

“We think it is very unfortunate. We are very disappointed about it. And actually terribly surprised. This is a new image in the Norwegian public and a new turn from the Norwegian princess,” news editor Christina Dorthellinger of NTB told the outlet.

“It is historic if we do not have that access. We have been to all major public events and celebrations and anniversaries related to the Norwegian royal house ever since King Haakon arrived in Norway in November 1905,” Dorthellinger added, referring to King Harald’s grandfather, who reigned from 1905 until his death in 1957.

Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett at Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s birthday gala in Oslo, Norway on June 17, 2022.LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty

LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty

In May 2019, Princess Märtha Louise announced her relationship with Durek, an American “sixth generation shaman” who, according to hiswebsite, boasts a celebrity clientele. The two shared that they wereengagedin June 2022, and in September 2023 the couple revealed that they would wed in Norway the following summer on Aug. 31.

In April, both Märtha Louise and Durek denounced"lies"in the press ahead of their wedding. Märtha Louiseclaimedthat her fiancé’s mother allegedly spread false information about his childhood in California, while Dureksaidthat they were “drawing a line” to focus on the future together.

“We are focusing on creating a wedding that reflects the depth of our love and are filled with excitement and joy for the celebrations ahead. Thank you for your understanding as we embark on this beautiful journey together, celebrating our love ending in our wedding in Geiranger,” he wrote on Instagram.

“We look forward to this beautiful day with great joy,” Durek wrote below a photo onInstagram.

Princess Märtha Louise’s alleged media arrangement around her nuptials might be possible because she is no longer a working member of the royal family. The Royal House of Norway announced in November 2022 that she was relinquishing the royal role she inherited at birth in order to more freely pursue other interests without the restrictions of being affiliated with the crown.

“Princess Märtha Louise wishes to differentiate more clearly between her own activities and her relationship to the Royal House of Norway. The Princess has therefore decided, in consultation with His Majesty The King and other close family members, that she will not carry out official duties for the Royal House at the present time,” the palace said in a statement at the time.

Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett in Oslo, Norway on June 16, 2022.Rune Hellestad/Getty

Princess Märtha Louise gave up her patronages but was allowed to keep her princess title.

The statement specified that Märtha Louise and Durek “are seeking to distinguish more clearly between their activities and the Royal House of Norway” and will not use her princess title or reference other members of the royal family on social media, in media work or for other commercial purposes. An exception was made for Märtha Louise’s @PrincessMarthaLouise handle, though she has shifted to updating another account.

Princess Martha Louise of Norway at a state banquet in Oslo on Nov. 9, 2021.Patrick van Katwijk/WireImage

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

“The King and Queen wish to thank Princess Märtha Louise for the important work she has carried out in her official capacity for several decades. She has performed her duties with warmth, care and deep commitment,” the statement said.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Prince Haakon, Queen Sonja and King Harald on Norwegian National Day in Oslo, Norway on May 17, 2024.Per Ole Hagen/Getty

Per Ole Hagen/Getty

source: people.com