Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Fiancé Shaman Durek Reveal Favorite Things About Each Other Ahead of Wedding
The couple is counting down to their big day in Norway later this month
HeartSmart Convos
Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett hug in a photo shared by HeartSmart Conversations podcast on Instagram on Aug. 7, 2024.Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Shaman Durek Verrett are feeling lucky in love ahead of their wedding later this month.
The only daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja is set to wed the American shaman in front of members of the Norwegian royal family and other celebrities in her native Norway on Aug. 31, and the couple opened up about the bond they share on a recent episode of her podcast, HeartSmart Conversations.
"I love Durek’s wisdom and humor and his depth, and that we can talk about any topic under the sun and that he always sees me, and always wants to evolve. I love that about you," Princess Märtha Louise said on the Aug. 14 episode of the show.
"Of course, he’s very handsome as well," she added, which made Durek and one of her co-hosts, Mari Manzetti, laugh.
When it was his turn to take the question, Durek praised his fiancée's "beautiful" soul and warm way as a mother. Princess Märtha Louise is mom to three daughters, Maud Angelica, 21, Leah Isadora, 19, and Emma Tallulah, 15, whom she shares with her late ex-husband, Ari Behn.
"What I love about Märtha is how beautiful of a soul she is," Durek said. "She’s such a pure heart. She loves her children, she loves her family, she loves people. I love how she is willing to be open to new ideas. Really being able to nurture the people around her is so beautiful."
He continued, "Watching her being a mother and the way she is with her children, and how she’s given so much love and such a home filled with love and space that has allowed them to be so successful in what they do, it only speaks just remarkable about this amazing woman."
Durek also said he appreciates how Märtha Louise challenges him and celebrated her spirit and personality.
"I love when she calls me out, I love when she makes faces, I love when she…just is her," he said. "I just love her and everything that she is. The air she breathes. It’s just beautiful."
Related: Meet Norway's Royal Family: All About the 1,000-Year-Old Monarchy
Märtha Louise and Durek announced their engagement in June 2022 after about three years of dating, and revealed in September 2023 that they would wed in picturesque Geiranger on Aug. 31, 2024.Hello! reported that the celebration will kick off with a welcome party on Aug. 29, followed by a boat ride and a Latin American-themed party on Aug. 30 before the wedding ceremony at Hotel Union that Saturday.
Shortly after Durek popped the question at an equestrian estate in his home state of California, Märtha Louise told PEOPLE it "meant the world" that he designed her emerald engagement ring with three diamonds on each side as a tribute to her three children.
Princess Märtha Louise welcomed her daughters during her marriage to Behn, an author and playwright. They split in 2016 after 14 years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized the following year. In 2019, Behn died by suicide at age 47, and Princess Märtha Louise was open about dealing with depression following her ex's death.
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Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett in Oslo, Norway on June 16, 2022.When Märtha Louise took her relationship with Durek Instagram official, she described him as her "twin flame." Durek's website describes him as a "6th generation shaman" whose "teachings have impacted thousands," including Gwyneth Paltrow, Nina Dobrev and more.
The Royal House of Norway shared well-wishes on behalf of the King and Queen when Princess Märtha Louise and Durek announced their wedding date, and Hello! reported that the nuptials will be attended by "a host of Norwegian and foreign royals."
In November 2022, Princess Märtha Louise stepped away from her royal role. The Royal House of Norway said the decision was made in order for Märtha Louise to more freely pursue other interests without the restrictions of being affiliated with the crown. The royal retains her princess title and remains welcome at family events, the statement said.
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Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett at Princess Ingrid Alexandra's birthday gala in Oslo, Norway on June 17, 2022.Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
"The King and Queen wish to thank Princess Märtha Louise for the important work she has carried out in her official capacity for several decades. She has performed her duties with warmth, care and deep commitment," courtiers wrote on behalf of King Harald and Queen Sonja, both 87.
Princess Märtha Louise's move didn't affect the line of succession to the Norwegian throne, as absolute primogeniture, or the right to rule regardless of gender, wasn't constitutionally adopted until 1990. King Harald is followed in the line of succession by his son Crown Prince Haakon, and his granddaughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, who is the firstborn child of Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
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Princess Ingrid Alexandra (front row, center) poses with family at her 18th birthday gala dinner in Oslo on June 17, 2022.For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
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