Princess Martha Louise, daughter of Norway’s King Harald, said on Tuesday that she will no longer officially represent the Norwegian royal house after “many questions about me and the role of my fiance”. The 50-year-old princess, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, got engaged in June to Durek Veret, an American who describes himself as a shaman and healer on his website. At least one foundation for which Martha Louise served as patron subsequently ended its connection with the princess. “I have decided that at this time I will no longer perform official duties for the royal household,” she said in a statement issued by the palace, adding that the decision was made in coordination with her parents “to create peace around the royal household.” The princess will retain her title, but the palace said it had informed the organizations where she still served as patron that she was stepping down from the role, which provided context for her official duties. Bo Glenditch, secretary general of the Norwegian Rheumatism Association, told Norwegian news agency NTB that it was “a tactical and wise decision by our patron”. The club considered ending its association with Martha Louise due to her engagement, “She solved this on her own initiative and that’s good,” Glenditch told NTB. Norwegian media accused Martha Louise and Veret of allegedly using her royal title for commercial gain along with promoting alternative health care methods. The palace statement said the couple would “clarify the distinction between their own activities and those of the royal household” and would not use the title of princess or refer to royals on social media or in commercial activity. Verrett will not hold a title or represent the Norwegian royal house when he and Martha Louise marry, according to the statement. The couple, who have been together since May 2019, according to Norwegian media, will attend family-related events and functions where royals are traditionally present. Martha Louise has three daughters from her first marriage, which ended in 2016. According to Norwegian media, she plans to move to California with them. Alongside her royal duties, the princess has written books in which she claimed to have had contact with angels. Her older brother, Crown Prince Haakon, is heir to the throne. A poll published by Norway’s Dagbladet newspaper last month had 68% of respondents saying they wanted to keep the monarchy. When Norwegian broadcaster NRK asked the same question in 2017, support for the royal house was 81%.
