Why this princess and shaman's love story has drawn controversy and fascination

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Shaman Durek Verrett’s love story is getting the screen treatment.

Netflix is producing an “in-depth and moving documentary” about the couple’s life together, including the lavish wedding that jus took place in Geiranger, Norway. The festivities, which ran for three days, were covered around the world.

According to Netflix’s Aug. 25 announcement, the documentary is a “never-before-seen look at one of the most-discussed couples and explores their love story from the early days to the present day and how they navigate their new life surrounded by constant attention from the public.”

Director Rebecca Chaiklin, who’s known for “Tiger King,” and Emmy-winning producer Chris Smith, have been following Verrett and Märtha Louise’s life for over a year for the documentary. The release date has yet to be announced.

Read on for more about Verrett and Princess Märtha Louise.

Who are Shaman Durek and Princess Märtha Louise?

Princess Märtha Louise was born on Sept. 22, 1971, and she is the eldest child of Norwegian King Harald V and Queen Sonja, per the Royal House of Norway’s website.

Märtha Louise is currently fourth in line for the Norwegian throne after her nephew Prince Sverre Magnus. She is also the host of the “HeartSmart Conversations“ podcast and in 2021, she released a reality series about her life titled “Märtha.” Verrett appeared in the series, per IMdB.

Märtha Louise has three children from her previous marriage with author and playwright Ari Behn, whom she divorced in 2017 after 14 years of marriage.

Shaman Durek Verrett is a divorced “6th generation shaman,” who aims to redefine what wellness means “by putting the power back into the hands of the people, so that they may live consciously, authentically, and in alignment,” his official website reads.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Verrett defined "shaman" as a "person who’s here to bridge back the spiritual world and the physical world in a tangible way that makes sense in the here and now. And also to give you tools so that you can be able to explore yourself, see yourself, know yourself, love yourself, and be who you truly came here to be.”

Verrett is also the host of the podcast “Ancient Wisdom Today" and author of Spirit Hacking: Shamanic Keys to Reclaim Your Personal Power, Transform Yourself, and Light Up the World.”

He also had a recurring role on the CBS show “The Doctors,” where he would help guests in overcoming their challenges that impact their connection to their physical and emotional well-being.

How did Princess Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek meet?

According to Vanity Fair, Märtha Louise and Verrett met in 2018 through a mutual friend. When Verrett invited Märtha Louise to his AirBnB in the Hollywood Hills for lunch, the couple felt like they had already known each other.

“I’ve met you before,” Märtha Louise recalled herself saying in a joint Vanity Fair interview with Verrett. “I know you already.”

“Yes,” he replied. “We were destined to meet before we were born.”

Märtha Louise, who once managed an alternative therapy center that taught clairvoyance and how to speak to angels, per Reuters, quickly became friends with Verrett.

What have they said about their relationship?

In an Aug. 14, episode of “HeartSmart Conversations,” the couple opened up about their relationship and revealed what they like about each other.

“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,” Märtha Louise said, adding that he’s also “very handsome as well.”

As for Verrett, he noted that he loves Märtha Louise’s “beautiful” soul.

“She’s such a pure heart. She loves her children, she loves her family, she loves people,” he said. “I love how she is willing to be open to new ideas. Really being able to nurture the people around her is so beautiful.”

Why have they faced controversy?Märtha Louise and Verrett have faced criticism through the years for their alternative beliefs and their relationship.

Some of Verrett's beliefs have come under fire. For example, in his 2019 book, he made the claim that childhood cancer is caused by unhappiness. Following scandal, the Norwegian publisher attached to the project declined to publish it in Norway.

In a post on Facebook, mayor of Oslo criticized Verrett for selling a $222 "spirit optimizer" on his website, which Verrett says can do things like "energize your food and drinks so they assimilate into your body more easily" and "harmonize your space."

In a joint interview with Vanity Fair, the couple said they receive hate online.

“Every day I wake up, there’s tons of mail from Norway of what a horrible person I am. And I’m just like, what have I ever done to any of you?” Verrett said.

"People are very angry," Märtha Louise added. "They think that he has put a spell on me, that he's an awful person. There's people writing like, 'I don't trust his eyes. Look at his evil eyes.' They write that a lot. 'It's shameful. It's terrible. You should never be a part of the royal family being with a Shaman. What is that? Everything he does is just phony and it's false. How don't you see through that? It's terrible. You're a disgrace.'"

"And of course, with him being Black and I'm being White, you get all that kind of hate as well," she continued.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Märtha Louise said the relationship opened her eyes to racism in Norway. “Before I met him, I never thought that there was racism in Norway, because we’re all an open, happy family. But basically, there are not that many people of color in Norway, so it was all a surprise to me," she said.

The Royal House of Norway condemned racist backlash in a statement in its website, saying, "We deplore the racist attitudes that Durek Verrett has had to contend with, especially on social media. We consider it a strength that the Royal House reflects Norway’s ethnic diversity."

Märtha Louise also provided a statement on the Royal House of Norway's website clarifying her beliefs in alternative medicine, saying she is "grateful" for the country's health care system, but also thinks "for many people alternative methods can be an important supplement to help from the conventional medical establishment."

"I am aware that many people follow what I do and say very closely. My title entails a certain responsibility. It is therefore important to me, including in my business activity, to distinguish between myself as a private person on the one hand and as a member of the Royal Family on the other. Sometimes I stumble, and am grateful to receive supportive advice along the way," she wrote.

What is the couple's status as royals?

In November 2022, following controversy around their engagement, Märtha Louise said she would no longer officially represent the Norwegian royal house, but would still retain her title.

"The process with the family has been amicable and loving," the caption read. As part of her message, she also wrote, "Durek has a right to his autonomy and to speak his mind like everyone else."

In the same video, Verrett addressed controversy his beliefs stirred.

"I know that some of the things I have said and done have been seen as controversial in Norway. Some have said this has become a problem in Norway. I want to be clear this was never my intention. I wish Martha's family well and want to do my part to support them in their roles," he said, but maintained he has a "right to autonomy."

The Royal House of Norway, in a statement, explained the decision. "The objective is both to prevent misunderstandings regarding the Royal House and to allow the Princess and Durek Verrett greater freedom in their business activities and other parts of their lives," a statement read.

The Royal House of Norway shared details about Verrett’s specific role in the monarchy.

“When Durek Verrett and Princess Märtha Louise are married, Mr Verrett will become a part of the Royal Family, the website said, as Märtha Louise’s last husband Ari Behn was. “But in accordance with tradition he will not have a title or represent the Royal House of Norway.”

This article was originally published on TODAY.com