Princess Märtha Louise of Norway with her husband Durek Verrett. BBC
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Durek Verrett celebrated their wedding on August 31 in a deeply emotional ceremony at Hotel Union in Geiranger village, western Norway. The venue, set amidst stunning natural scenery, held special meaning for the couple. Märtha, 52, shared her affection for the location, recalling fond memories from her parents' silver wedding anniversary visit.
The wedding was attended by 350 guests, including many senior royals. Märtha’s parents, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, her younger brother Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and their children were present. Also among the guests were Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden, and Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands. Notable attendees from beyond Europe included Prince Kunle and Princess Keisha Say of Nigeria, and Sarah Culberson, Princess of Sierra Leone.
Princess Martha Louise’s daughters, Leah Isadora, Emma Tallulah, and Maud Angelica. Reuters
Märtha’s wedding dress, designed by her favourite designer Tina Steffenakk Hermansen, featured duchess satin adorned with white and gold flowers. The gown’s 11-foot train and cathedral-length veil, showcasing the couple’s monogram, completed her regal look. She also wore a distinctive white-gold diadem given to her by her grandfather King Olav V on her 18th birthday, symbolizing "something old" in her wedding ensemble. The "something blue" was a special Quinterium symbol embroidered inside her dress, representing Durek’s personal touch.
Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett got engaged in 2022. Reuters
The bridal bouquet, crafted by local florist Blomstrende, was a beautiful display of pink roses, mirroring the bouquets of her bridesmaids. The bridesmaids’ gowns, also designed by Hermansen, complemented the bride’s dress, while her daughters’ gold dresses were created by emerging Norwegian designer Rikke Boe. Märtha’s close friends and family made up the bridal party, including her maid of honour Anne-Kari Bohaugen, her parish priest Margit, and longtime friends.
King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway at their daughter's wedding. Reuters
Durek, looking sharp in a custom Charles & Ron tuxedo, expressed his heartfelt vows with emotional intensity. He promised to listen and support Märtha and her daughters, pledging his love until his last breath. Märtha, in turn, promised to love Durek with all her heart, be responsible for her emotions, and walk beside him through life’s changes.
The couple displays their wedding rings, with Durek Verrett’s suit featuring intertwined “M” and “D” initials. Reuters
Following the ceremony, Durek shared his joy expressing his happiness at finding a partner who loves him completely. He described their bond as a testament to the power of love, which he believes transcends all challenges.
The couple’s wedding was not just a celebration of their union but also a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and commitment.
