It is perhaps the most extraordinary love match a European royal family has ever experienced.
This week, in a spectacular three-day celebration culminating in a wedding ceremony against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, fjords and waterfalls, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway will marry Durek Verrett, the charismatic Californian spiritual healer she first encountered in unusual circumstances six years ago.
In a world exclusive, HELLO! and HOLA! will be there to cover this unique occasion as members of the Norwegian royal family and their 350 guests gather in Geiranger on the west coast of Norway to witness their special union.
“We’re very excited,” Princess Märtha, fourth in line to the throne as the daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, tells us as we catch up with them for a photo shoot at Villa Munch at the Ramme Fjordhotell – artist Edvard Munch’s summerhouse near Oslo – ahead of the festivities.
“It feels amazing to be marrying Durek and I’m so happy the day is almost here. The surroundings where we’ll marry are gorgeous – it’s one of the most beautiful places I know.
“Even if there are a few glitches, we can still gaze at the stunning scenery,” she laughs.
Pausing to reflect, the 52-year-old mum of three, who was married to the late author Ari Behn – father of their daughters Maud, 21, Leah, 19, and Emma, 16 – for 15 years, before their divorce in 2017, continues: “I had decided not to get married again. But after meeting Durek in 2018, I changed my mind.”
Her bright blue eyes light up as her fiancé – a whirlwind of emotion and energy in stripy trousers and a multi-coloured denim jacket that reflects his expressive personality – breezes in and kisses her hand.
“I’ve been practising my vows,” he tells us proudly, although his bride-to-be admits with a wry smile: “I haven’t done mine yet.”
PERSONAL VOWS
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 02, 2024-Ausgabe von HELLO! UK.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 02, 2024-Ausgabe von HELLO! UK.
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AS 'THE DIPLOMAT RETURNS KERI RUSSELL
ON HAVING FUN WITH RUFUS SEWELL, MEETING THE U.S. AMBASSADOR AND BEING STRAPPED TO TOM CRUISE
FROM HIS CHALLENGING CHILDHOOD TO HOLLYWOOD'S HOT LIST BARRY KEOGHAN
ON BEING DRAWN TO STRONG WOMEN AND ENJOYING LIFE WITH HIS LITTLE BOY
AS 'THE SUBSTANCE' IS RELEASED MARGARET QUALLEY
ON MAKING THE LEAP FROM BALLET TO HOLLYWOOD
BUSY MUM-TO-BE AND DUTIFUL DAUGHTER PRINCESS BEATRICE
TEAMS UP WITH SISTER PRINCESS EUGENIE TO SUPPORT THEIR FATHER IN HIS EXILE FROM ROYAL LIFE
CHAMPIONING WOMEN'S HEALTH THE DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH
HONOURS 60 YEARS OF GROUNDBREAKING CHARITY
AS ONE DIRECTION REUNITE TO BID FAREWELL TO FORMER BANDMATE LIAM PAYNE
HUGS AND TEARS AS MOURNING FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY GOODBYE
CELEBRATING HER GAME-CHANGING NEW CONCEALER VICTORIA'S SECRETS
THE DESIGNER SHARES HER TOP SKINCARE TIPS AND REVEALS WHICH PRODUCTS HARPER LOVES TO STEAL
CHANNELLING MARY POPPINS TO CHAMPION LITERACY THE QUEEN
JOINS CELEBRITIES AND BEST-SELLING AUTHORS TO APPLAUD YOUNG WRITERS' 'ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT WORK'
CONTINUING A FESTIVE TRADITION - WITH A TINY NEW TREAT TO DELIGHT VISITORS WINDSOR CASTLE AT CHRISTMAS
STAFF DECK THE HALLS - AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ROYAL DOLLS' HOUSE
SNAPPING UP RECORD-BREAKING £60M MANSION IN MIAMI THE BECKHAMS
WE GO INSIDE THEIR BILLION-DOLLAR LIFESTYLE AS THE FAMILY PREPARE TO EXPAND THEIR BRAND
