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
Denne historien er fra September 02, 2024-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
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Denne historien er fra September 02, 2024-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THROWING IT BACK TO THE 1990S 'VOGUE' ERA OF THE SUPERMODEL
KATE MOSS LEADS FAMOUS FACES REFLECTING ON FASHION HEYDAY
FORMER 'MADE IN CHELSEA' STAR FRAN NEWMAN-YOUNG
DAZZLES IN BESPOKE WEDDING GOWN AS SHE TIES THE KNOT IN STYLE IN MAJORCA
LENDING SUPPORT TO CHILDREN'S HOSPICE PRINCESSES BEATRICE AND EUGENIE
BRING LIGHT INTO LITTLE ONES' LIVES AS THEY PLANT A SYMBOL OF HOPE
ON BUOYANT FORM AFTER HIS WIFE'S GOOD NEWS THE PRINCE OF WALES
DISHES OUT THE HUGS ON VISIT FROM THE HEART
WITH AN INCREDIBLE GLIMPSE INTO FAMILY LIFE THE PRINCESS OF WALES
SHARES MESSAGE OF HOPE AS SHE LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AND BALANCING HER ROLE
IN HIGH SPIRITS AT THE BRAEMAR HIGHLAND GAMES THE KING AND QUEEN
ENJOY LAUGHS APLENTY AT A FAVOURITE EVENT BEFORE MONARCH QUIETLY MARKS TWO YEARS ON THE THRONE
AS HOLLY WILLOUGHBY RETURNS NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS
STARS DAZZLE ON NIGHT OF GLAMOUR AND GONGS
CREATING A NEW SISTER ACT ELIZABETH OLSEN
ON CO-STARRING WITH NATASHA LYONNE AND CARRIE COON
MAKING HISTORY AT STARSTUDDED EVENT IN NEW YORK TAYLOR SWIFT
SMASHES IT WITH SEVEN OF THE BEST AT THE V.M.As
KIM KARDASHIAN AND DAKOTA JOHNSONS
FASHION AND COMPASSION AT A-LIST CHARITY EVENT
