1 Princess Martha Louise Is Stepping Away From the Royal Family
The world was shocked when Princess Martha Louise of Norway was first linked to self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett. After all, the American has been accused of being a “con man,” conspiracy theorist and criticized for his controversial beliefs and some of the practices and products he is hawking.
2 The Family Released a Statement on Tuesday
In July, the couple became engaged. And on Tuesday, in a statement released by the Royal House of Norway, it was confirmed that Martha Louise will be distancing herself from the throne. “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 statement reads. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb
3 They Will Leave the Royals Out of Their Business Ventures
The release clearly outlined the couple’s future in relation to the family, explaining that they “are seeking to distinguish more clearly between their activities and the Royal House of Norway,” which refers to Martha Louise taking a more active role in her future husband’s business. “This means, among other things, that they will not employ the title of Princess or refer to members of the Royal House in their social media channels, in media productions or in connection with other commercial activities (with the exception of @PrincessMarthaLouise on Instagram),” it says.
4 The Princess Will Keep Her Title
The Princess will be able to keep her title, per her father, the King. And, when she gets married, both she and her husband will be part of the Royal Family. “But in accordance with tradition he will not have a title or represent the Royal House of Norway,” they added. “Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett will attend family-related gatherings, such as birthday celebrations, as well as certain major sporting events that the Royal Family traditionally attends together.”
RELATED: The Biggest Royal Romance Scandals of All Time
5 She Believes It Will “Lead to a Calmer and More Peaceful Environment”
In an accompanying video statement Martha Louise explained that she believed the shift “will lead to a calmer and more peaceful environment.” Her fiance added: “I know that some of the things I have said and done have been seen as controversial in Norway — some have even argued that this has become a problem for the monarchy. This was never my intention.” He later said he “has a right to autonomy, to determine what I believe in and to speak up about it.”
