The preparations are in full swing for the wedding of Martha Louise of Norway to Durek Verrett.
The Norwegian royal, 52, is set to marry the American shaman on 31 August with a ceremony in the Geiranger fjord. The marriage marks a shift in the life of the businessman, who has said he is the reincarnation of Pharaoh, as he prepares to marry a royal and takes on the role of stepfather to her three children.
© LISE ASERUDSpeaking on the HeartSmart podcast, which Martha hosts with two of her friends, Durek opened up about his excitement ahead of the big day.
"I have so much love for Norway," the groom said. "I love the architecture and nature. I have a lot of Norwegian friends who I love with my heart and soul.
© Getty"I'm just really excited about all my friends coming from all over the world, not just to witness our love, but to witness Norway and to experience what I experience. Everyone is super excited," he added.
His devotion to Martha Louise
The husband-to-be also reflected on his relationship with his future wife. "I wake up and the first thing I think about is how lucky I am to be with this amazing woman," Durek revealed.
© LISE ASERUD
"I'm always staring at her, telling her how beautiful she is, how smart she is, what a gift to life she is."
© GettyThe shaman also opened up about how he has coped when there has been geographical distance between them as Durek only moved to Norway a month and a half ago. "When I was away from her, I would get her in moments and then she'd leave and I'd cry and get back to doing what I do. For me, what gets me is that I get to wake up every day to this beautiful woman."
On becoming a step-father
In marrying Crown Prince Haakon's sister, Durek will become a stepfather to her three daughters - Maud Angelica, 20, Leah Isadora, 18, and Emma Tallulah, 15, whom the royal shares with her late ex-husband Ari Behn.
© GettyHe admitted feeling excited about being closer to her children once they marry. "When I came into a relationship with Martha, I had to be very clear. Am I ready to step into this relationship with her and ready to be a bonus father?," the husband-to-be asked himself.
© GettyHe also took into account Martha's status and lifestyle as the daughter of King Harald. "Am I ready to take on the energy that comes along with her also being who she is, with her family, in society, and what level of maturity am I ready to step into?," Durek said. "When I decide to be with someone, it's for life [...] I asked her for that time, and she gave it to me. She gave me the space to figure myself out."
Their close bond
The royal herself spoke about her relationship as she prepared for their nuptials, saying she admires her husband-to-be's vulnerable side.
© Getty"For me, being a strong man is being vulnerable and crying," Crown Princess Mette-Marit's sister-in-law admitted, while Durek added: "She broke me down! I was raised in a strong family... I call my sister and I'm like, 'They want me to cry, are they crazy?'."
The California native also praised his bride-to-be on her feisty character saying that he loves the fact she's not afraid to say 'no' and will question his choices and behaviour - "I love it", he confessed.
A modern couple
The couple have made headlines for their unexpected relationship. Martha Louise co-founded the now-defunct Angel School which focused on communication with the dead.
© GettyDISCOVER: Princess Martha Louise of Norway sparks controversy with divisive TV interview
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