Princess Märtha Louise of Norway’s wedding to American shaman Durek Verrett turned into a spectacle of controversy and embarrassment. The exclusive photo rights were sold to Hello! magazine, with Netflix also present to potentially make a movie about the unlikely love story between the princess and the shaman.
The royal couple has faced criticism for promoting pseudo-scientific beliefs and using their royal title for personal gain, with Märtha Louise’s father, King Harald V, refusing to participate in any commercial ventures associated with the wedding. The wedding itself featured clothes from the princess’s fashion collection for sale to guests, highlighting the convergence of feudal privileges and market capitalism evident in modern-day Norway.
The recent arrest of Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of the crown prince, Haakon, for assault has further tarnished the image of the Norwegian royals. The crisis within the royal family has raised questions about the institution of monarchy in Norway and its relevance in modern times.
Public support for the monarchy in Norway has steadily declined, with recent surveys showing a negative view of the institution among a significant portion of the population. The accusations of racism and comparisons to Rasputin made by Verrett highlight the potential pitfalls of combining feudal titles with controversial beliefs and behaviors.
The ongoing royal scandals and public skepticism towards the monarchy suggest that the institution may be facing a crisis of relevance and trust among the Norwegian people. The need for the royal family to navigate these challenges and adapt to modern expectations is crucial for its continued existence in the country’s evolving societal landscape.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com