Princess Märtha Louise of Norway turns 54 this Monday, September 22, under the media spotlight, as just a week ago, the documentary she filmed with Netflix premiered, where she speaks about her love story with Durek Verrett. 'Royal Rebels: An Unlikely Love Story,' directed by Rebecca Chaiklin, was produced without the participation of the Norwegian Royal House.
Although the palace acknowledged that everyone has the right to tell their story, they have requested the removal of a scene featuring Crown Prince Haakon, warning that it clearly violates the agreement not to use the royal connection for commercial purposes.
Beyond the most controversial parts, which include discussions of racism and lack of institutional support, drawing comparisons to Harry and Meghan, the documentary reveals many fascinating details about a princess who has chosen to be different.
Feeling misunderstood:
Märtha Louise admitted she often felt misunderstood during her years in the royal family. While private life felt more natural, official duties required her to follow strict protocols and wear uncomfortable clothing, an experience that made her realize how different she felt from the rest of her family. Her sensitivity, she explained, set her apart in ways she didn’t fully understand at the time.
She goes on to say that through this sensitivity, she discovered her psychic abilities and healing powers. Although she studied physiotherapy and wrote children’s books, her business ventures took a different turn starting in 2007, when she launched an "angel school" or energy center, something she calls her “mission.”
Her spiritual side:
In the documentary, both Durek and Märtha Louise are shown communicating with spirits, something she had been doing long before meeting the American shaman. It was the spirits, they say, who decided the date when they should “unite their energies” and choose their wedding date.
“We’re getting married on August 31," she said, that’s when Virgo and Scorpio aligned with Venus, explained Durek, as Märtha Louise entered a trance state.
Being the King’s daughter:
While she no longer holds an official role within the royal family, Märtha Louise acknowledged that she will always be the king’s daughter. Stepping away from her duties was a mutual decision made after discussions with her family, allowing her the freedom to pursue her own path and marry Durek Verrett.
She explained that creating some distance was necessary, not only to protect the rest of the royal family from public scrutiny but also to ensure Durek would be welcomed into their lives without added pressure. While she admitted it was a bittersweet transition, she accepted it as part of moving forward.
"I’m no longer invited to the big galas or state visits like before," she explained, admitting that it's "sad," but it's her new life chapter, admitting that it was the best for everyone.
Her first husband’s suicide:
Märtha Louise, who had spoken about Ari Behn’s mental health struggles that worsened under public scrutiny, recalls in the documentary how, during Christmas 2019, they were all together when King Harald received a call saying that her ex-husband, then 47, had died by suicide.
Describing it as a "horrible" scenario, she said she told her daughters, who at the time were ten and sixteen. "They were devastated. My parents were in shock,” she said, getting emotional when talking about her daughter's speech at the funeral.
The documentary then shows heartbreaking footage of the funeral, with King Harald crying in the front row as his granddaughter, Maud Angelica, stands behind her father's casket and shares a powerful message about mental health.
Telling her daughters about her new boyfriend:
Märtha Louise says she felt tremendous pressure in introducing Durek to her daughters. He was the first man she dated after her divorce, and initially, she told them he was just a friend.
“We were in Los Angeles, and I thought, ‘He’s mom’s gay best friend,’” jokes one of her daughters, later admitting they loved him. “I was super nervous telling them, so I told them just before school," she said.
An important health decision:
Durek Verrett undergoes dialysis three times a week after losing a previous kidney transplant. He is now on a waitlist for a new kidney.
“He’s much weaker than before, and the waiting list is ten years. I got tested to donate a kidney, but I’m not a match," she said, admitting that she was willing to donate her kidney. That was really sad. We need to find another donor. I just pray he gets a transplant in time. You can be on dialysis for five to ten years,” she added.
Their life at home:
In the beginning, Durek was the one who cooked, but now Märtha Louise has taken over the kitchen, even though there’s a pillow that says 'A Princess Never Cooks.” She shares her secret in the documentary, explaining that they receive a weekly meal kit box with recipes and all ingredients. “Everything is in the box and organized, and I love organizing things like that,” she says.
Choosing to be different:
“A lot of people expected me to be a certain way and live up to what I was ‘supposed’ to be, but I’m not like that. I choose to be different, and it’s incredible to be with someone who doesn’t judge me and gives me unconditional love.”