The PRINCESS and the SHAMAN

When Princess Märtha Louise of Norway fell in love with a Californian guru, it was assumed to be a passing phase. But six months into their engagement, many are asking how warmly the flamboyant Durek Verrett will be welcomed as a royal son-in-law.

- WILLIAM LANGLEY

Little unsettles the five million hardy subjects of King Harald V of Norway, but on June 7 a surprise proclamation from the Royal Palace in Oslo brought the country to a near standstill. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen send their most heartfelt congratulations to Princess Martha Louise and Mr Durek Verrett on the occasion of their engagement,” it read, and wish them all the best for the future.”

Martha Louise, the King’s only daughter, is fourth in line to the throne. Her husband-to-be is a self-taught shaman to the stars” from California, who says he previously lived as a pharaoh in ancient Egypt, claims to be able to split atoms with his mind power, and for 2000 an hour promises to lead his clients down the spiritual superhighway to happiness.

Certainly, Martha Louise, 51, a fourth cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, sounded happy. I am so pleased,” she declared, to announce that I’m engaged to Shaman Durek, the one who makes my heart skip, the one who makes me laugh and who I can be vulnerable with. Love transcends and makes us grow. And I am so happy to continue to grow with this beautiful man.”

The level-headed Norwegians, who have watched the romance unfold with growing scepticism, appeared less thrilled. Royal observers and politicians denounced Durek, 47, as a charlatan” and conman”, while the country’s leading newspaper, Morgenbladet, described his claims of mystical power as the ravings of a lunatic”. Given early indications from within the traditionalist court that 85-year-old Harald was out to prevent a marriage, the royal announcement came as a shock.