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Martha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett pose for exclusive pre-wedding shoot with HELLO!

Durek Verrett reveals close bond with Princess Martha Louise's daughters and special trip he arranged

The Californian spiritual healer will marry the Norwegian royal on 31 August

Sally Morgan
Associate Editor
August 26, 2024
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Norway's Martha Louise will marry Durek Verrett during a three-day celebration which will culminate in their wedding ceremony on Saturday in Geiranger.

In a world exclusive, HELLO! and HOLA! will be there to cover their nuptials as members of the Norwegian royal family and their 350 guests gather on the west coast of Norway, to witness the couple's special union.

Martha met charismatic Californian spiritual healer Durek after their mutual friend, Hollywood health and wellness guru Millana Snow, played cupid in 2018.

WATCH: Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett behind-the-scenes

The 52-year-old mum-of-three was married to the late author Ari Behn – father of their daughters Maud, 21, Leah, 19, and Emma,16 - for 15 years, before their divorce in 2017.

She told HELLO!: "I had decided not to get married again. But after meeting Durek in 2018, I changed my mind."

And forming a relationship with Martha's three girls has been a priority for Durek from day one.

"Dating a woman with children, you have to be responsible," he told HELLO! "If it doesn't work out, it's not fair to them. I wanted to make sure we would get on so I spent time with them.

Martha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett pose for exclusive pre-wedding shoot with HELLO!
Martha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett pose for exclusive pre-wedding shoot with HELLO!

"I took them to Universal Studios in LA and introduced them to my family. As I got to know them and their different personalities, it was like seeing elements of Martha. It's taken years to build trust and a relationship that is our own. 

"As a couple, our priority is the kids. We believe in being hands-on parents, so they always come first."

Norwegian royal family tree

Durek also sought the blessing of Martha's parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, when he asked her to marry him in 2022.

"I have old school views on courtship and asking for Martha's hand in marriage was about respect," he said. "The King and Queen asked me questions about myself and the future, and went quiet for a bit. I was sweating as I waited for their response - and then they turned to me and said they'd love to have me as part of the family."

Martha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett pose for exclusive pre-wedding shoot with HELLO!
Martha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett pose for exclusive pre-wedding shoot with HELLO!

With a smile, Martha added: "At my age, I could choose for myself! But my parents had to wait nine years before they could wed and always told me they wanted me to marry whoever I wanted."

The wedding will be exclusively covered by HELLO! magazine. Check back on the website and pick up the most recent issues of HELLO! for all the latest news and photos.

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