Royal followers are patiently awaiting the nuptials of Norway's Martha Louise, the daughter of King Harald, to American shaman Durek Verrett on 31 August which are being exclusively covered by HELLO!.
But following their nuptials at Geiranger, many will wonder where the newlyweds will start their new life together, especially as the groom originally hails from California.
© GettyThe royal is raising three daughters from her previous marriage to the late Ari Behn. As a result, Durek upped sticks and moved to Norway where he will become a stepfather to Maud Angelica, 20, Leah Isadora, 18, and Emma Tallulah, 15.
Since then, Durek has made Norway home - a topic he spoke openly about as he broke his silence on the imminent royal wedding during an episode of the HeartSmart podcast.
© Instagram"I have so much love for Norway," the groom said of his new residence. "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.
© GettyThe businessman also spoke about his experience of a long-distance relationship with Crown Prince Haakon's sister prior to his relocation. "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," he admitted. "For me, what gets me is that I get to wake up every day to this beautiful woman."
Martha Louise's husband-to-be seems to be settling into his new European lifestyle nicely. He took to Instagram earlier this month as he enjoyed a boat trip with his bride.
© Instagram"Living in Norway has unlocked a new level of bliss, darlings!," Durek penned. "Picture this: cruising the stunning fjords with your beloved @iam_marthalouise and friends @toregrimstad @wambui73 @drmariannevestnes , the sun kissing your face, and a spread of delicious food and drinks at your fingertips."
© HELLO!The big day
Their nuptials are a three-day extravaganza set against the Geiranger Fjord. The festivities will kick off on Thursday with a meet-and-greet party in the garden of Hotel 1904 in the heart of Ålesund city.
© GettyA boat trip along the Geiranger Fjord to Geiranger village is scheduled for Friday before a pre-wedding salsa party at the venue, Hotel Union.
© GettyDISCOVER: Princess Märtha Louise's wedding monogram pays tribute to 'past life' with shaman Durek Verrett
The celebrations will culminate on Saturday with a ceremony led by parish priest Margit Lovise Holte ahead of a wedding breakfast and reception at the hotel.
To read the full exclusive interview with Martha Louise and Durek, pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale in the UK now. You can subscribe to HELLO! to get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or purchase the digital edition online via our Apple or Google apps.
LOVE THE ROYALS? JOIN THE CLUB!
If you are reading this, the chances are you are obsessed with all things royalty – which is just as well because so are we! So obsessed, in fact, we’ve launched a club solely dedicated to covering them. So welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club. We would love you to join us there…
What is it?
Interactive community offering behind-the-scenes access, exclusive royal interviews, unmissable royal insights, and an illustrious royal Inner Circle.
Member benefits
- Two weekly newsletters, one from Emily Nash
- Video posts and audio notes from Emily Nash and the HELLO! Royal team
- Access to our royal community and opportunity to interact with club writers and members
- Participate in polls, comments and discussion threads
- Royal-themed puzzles with a weekly prize to be won
- Access to our Ask Me Anything sessions with our journalists
- Invitations to in-person and virtual events
- A subscription to the digital edition of HELLO! Magazine (Worth £82 annually)*
- Future ‘Inner Circle’ benefits
By royal decree
You are royally invited to join The HELLO! Royal Club – and then to go forth and spread the word to your fellow royal fans. See you in the club!
