Norwegian Princess Known for Her Belief in the Supernatural Marries Controversial American Shaman in a Century-Long Union

Princess Louise marries American shaman Barrett
Long-standing controversy over mysticism and alternative medicine

Princess M?rtha Louise (53), the eldest daughter of King Harald V of Norway, and her fianc?, American shaman Durek Bennett (50), are arriving in Geiranger, Norway, on the 30th for their wedding ceremony. [EPA=Yonhap News]

The wedding of Norway's Princess M?rtha Louise (52), who attracted attention with her engagement following years of dating, and Durek Verrett (49), a famous American shaman, will be held over three days starting on the 29th (local time). The BBC reported that their wedding will take place in the Norwegian village of Geiranger, located on the shores of the fjord designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Princess Louise, the eldest daughter of King Harald V of Norway, announced her engagement to Verrett in June 2022, drawing public attention.

Verrett, an African American from California, is known as the "spiritual leader of Hollywood" and has gained fame as a counselor to famous actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow.

He has claimed that he died and was resurrected, that he is a hybrid of reptiles and Andromeda, and that he was a pharaoh in a past life. He also claimed to have predicted the 9/11 attacks two years in advance. In his 2019 book "Spirit Hacking," he argued that people get cancer because they are unhappy, among other claims, and during the pandemic, he stirred controversy by selling medals online that he claimed helped against COVID-19.

Princess Louise herself has long been embroiled in controversy in Norway due to her fascination with mysticism and alternative medicine, claiming she can communicate with angels. Since 2007, she has claimed to have clairvoyance and ran a school teaching how to communicate with angels until 2018.

In an interview with the BBC last year, Princess Louise confessed, "I have been heavily criticized over the past few years for claiming to have spiritual energy," adding, "It is a taboo subject in Norway."

After her engagement to Verrett, she reportedly stepped back from official royal duties in November of the same year to focus on alternative medicine business ventures.

According to King Harald V's wishes, Princess Louise retains her royal title but is prohibited from using it commercially. However, she recently faced criticism again for using her princess title in the process of releasing and selling whiskey commemorating the wedding.

This is Princess Louise's second marriage. She was previously married to writer Ari Behn and had three daughters, but they divorced in 2017. Her ex-husband Behn suffered from depression and died by suicide on Christmas 2019.

Norwegian media report that Verrett holds no special title but will be incorporated into the royal family through this marriage.

Meanwhile, in addition to members of the Swedish royal family, many influencers will attend the wedding. Reality TV star Cynthia Bailey from the United States is expected to appear. Furthermore, guests will not be allowed to use mobile phones or cameras during the wedding period, nor post any content on social media (SNS).