The marriage of Durek Verrett and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway took place during a heartwarming ceremony on 31 August, which was exclusively covered by HELLO! magazine. However, despite his union with a Norwegian princess, Durek did not receive a royal title following the marriage. This is due to the fact that men who marry into the Norwegian royal family are not granted royal titles and are not expected to carry out royal duties. This decision was made clear after the announcement of Durek and Märtha Louise’s engagement, with a statement from the royal palace affirming that Durek Verrett, much like previous husbands of royal family members, would not hold a title or represent the Royal Family.
Even though it is customary for husbands of Norwegian princesses not to be bestowed with royal titles, Märtha Louise herself made a significant change to her own title following her disengagement from official duties in November 2022, just five months after confirming her engagement to Durek. She opted to drop the ‘royal’ from her title and is now officially styled as Her Highness Princess Märtha Louise on the royal family’s website. This decision was made in order to establish a clearer distinction between her personal endeavors and her connection to the Royal House of Norway. By relinquishing her official duties, Märtha Louise also had to give up her various patronages.
In an exclusive interview with HELLO! before the wedding, Durek Verrett revealed that he sought the blessing of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway before proposing to Märtha Louise in 2022. Describing his traditional views on courtship, Durek shared that asking for Märtha’s hand in marriage was a gesture of respect towards her family. During the meeting with the King and Queen, they inquired about Durek and his future plans before granting their approval for the marriage. Märtha Louise, reflecting on the moment, expressed her autonomy and noted that her parents, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, had encouraged her to choose her own partner, emphasizing the importance of personal agency in marriage.
Following their wedding, Durek Verrett and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway are set to participate in important family celebrations together, such as birthday events and certain sporting occasions where the Royal Family typically makes appearances. Despite not having royal titles, the couple’s commitment to each other and their families remains steadfast. Märtha Louise will continue to serve as chair of the board of Princess Märtha Louise’s Fund, upholding her dedication to charitable work. The King and Queen of Norway expressed their gratitude towards Märtha Louise for her longstanding service to the Royal House and commended her warmth, care, and dedication in carrying out her official duties.
The marriage of Durek Verrett and Princess Märtha Louise of Norway signifies a blending of tradition and modernity, as they navigate the complexities of royalty and personal identity. Their union is a celebration of love, respect, and individual agency, reflecting a new chapter in their lives and the history of the Norwegian royal family.