Märtha Louise of Norway made the bold decision to step away from her royal duties in 2022. This choice led her to relinquish many privileges that came with being a working royal. However, one strict rule that would not have benefited her had she stayed in the role was the Norwegian monarchy’s adoption of absolute primogeniture in 1990. This rule change did not apply retroactively, meaning that despite being older than her brother Crown Prince Haakon, Märtha Louise is not the direct heir to the Norwegian throne. As a result, Haakon maintains his position as the heir apparent.
The shift to absolute primogeniture only affects those born in 1990 or later. This means that Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, holds the position of second in line to the throne after her father. Born in 2004, Princess Ingrid is destined to become the Queen of Norway one day, surpassing her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, in the line of succession.
Recently, Princess Ingrid was among the 350 guests who attended her aunt Märtha Louise’s wedding to Durek Verrett at the historic four-star hotel, Hotel Union. This three-day celebration was exclusively covered by HELLO! Magazine. Märtha Louise’s three daughters from her previous marriage with Ari Behn – Maud Angelica, Leah Isadora, and Emma Tallulah – were also present at the wedding. Maud played a special role by giving her mother away during the ceremony.
During the wedding vows, both the bride and groom expressed their commitment to Märtha Louise’s daughters. The emotional exchange included promises of love, respect, and acceptance for the entire family. Durek shared heartfelt words, saying, “I promise to always listen to your wisdom. I promise to always hold space for you and your daughters and listen to them as well. I promise to love you with my last breath.”
Since stepping away from royal duties, Märtha Louise has embarked on a new chapter in her life. In her reflections shared on social media, she acknowledged the challenges of the past year but also emphasized the importance of love and resilience. Despite facing ups and downs, she expressed hope for a year filled with deep love and mutual respect for one another.
Märtha Louise’s message for the new year focused on building a world where individuals can freely express themselves and grow from a place of love and understanding. She encouraged a shift towards self-acceptance and compassion, aiming to create a more inclusive and judgment-free society. By embracing love and happiness, she hoped to inspire others to do the same in 2023.
The life of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway showcases a journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience beyond the confines of royal duties. As she continues to navigate her path with grace and authenticity, she serves as an inspiration for embracing personal growth and building a world rooted in love and acceptance.