Princess Martha Louise, the daughter of Norway’s King Harald, has said she will no longer officially represent the royal house following “many questions relating to me and my fiance’s role”. The 50-year-old princess, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, got engaged in June to Durek Verrett, an American who describes himself as a shaman and a healer on his website.
At least one foundation for which Martha Louise served as a patron subsequently ended its connection with the princess. “I have decided that at the present time I will no longer carry out 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 she informed the organisations which she served as patron that she was relinquishing the role, which provided a framework for her official duties. Norwegian media have accused Martha Louise and Mr Verrett of allegedly using her royal title for commercial gain along with promoting alternative healthcare methods.
