Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit party until 3am after his sister Princess Martha Louise's controversial wedding to American shaman Durek Verrett

Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit party until 3am after his sister Princess Martha Louise's controversial wedding to American shaman Durek Verrett
By: dailymail Posted On: September 02, 2024 View: 61

Senior members of Norway’s Royal Family partied into the early hours of this morning as they celebrated Princess Martha Louise controversial marriage to American shaman Durek Verrett.

King Harald, who is 87 years old and in frail health, did not return to his royal yacht, which was anchored by the shoreline of the Geirangerfjord until after 1am.

Queen Sonja, who is also 87, told newsman waiting at the quayside they had enjoyed the gala dinner.

Heir-apparent Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Princess Mette-Marit and their children Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, stayed until the end – leaving the party at 3am.

They were pictured waving to newsmen as they headed to the royal yacht, that has been protected by a Norwegian Navy vessel. Princess Mette-Marit said: ‘There were many highlights [at the wedding].

Senior members of Norway¿s Royal Family partied into the early hours of this morning as they celebrated Princess Martha Louise controversial marriage to American shaman Durek Verrett. Pictured, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit react after the wedding of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett in Geiranger

Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon both gave speeches during the wedding breakfast. But not King Harald, who had given the wedding address at his daughter’s first marriage to author Ari Behn in 2002.

The four-day marriage celebrations are set to conclude today with a lavish brunch until 1pm.

Guests will then be transported by bus and ferry to Ålesund airport, some two and a half hours away.

The bride and groom are expected to join the King and Queen aboard the royal yacht and sail through the spectacular Geirangerfjord to Ålesund.

The newly married couple delighted crowds lining the streets outside the wedding venue last night by sharing a kiss ahead of the gala dinner.

Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as the Norwegian King's eldest child married the American self-professed shaman.

Martha Louise, 52, and Durek Verrett, 49, who claims to be a sixth-generation shaman from California, tied the knot in the picturesque small town of Geiranger, one of Norway's major tourist attractions located on a fjord with stunning views.

The newly-weds had made an impromptu walk-about to say thanks to the few dozen well-wishers who had come to the tiny fjord-side village to pay their respects.

Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Sharman Durek Verrett greet the press and members of the public after their marriage outside Hotel Union in Gieranger
Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel walk outside Hotel Union at Vinjevollen on the day of the wedding of Norway's Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett
Queen Sonja of Norway waves after the wedding of Norwegian Princess Martha Louise
Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Sharman Durek Verrett kiss and cheer outside Hotel Union in Gieranger, Norway
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Prince Sverre Magnus and Amalie Giaever Macleod after the wedding of Durek Verrett and Princess Märtha Louise

The couple stepped out of the Union Hotel in Geiranger shortly after 6.30pm local time to a rousing applause from the crowd.

Families with young children, elderly residents and young couples had waited for hours for a glimpse of the princess and her new husband.

The newlyweds beamed with pride as they waved to the crowd, before going back into the hotel for the wedding breakfast - and for the party that lasted into the early hours of this morning.

The marriage festivities started on Thursday, but the actual wedding ceremony took place yesterday afternoon in a large white tent set up in a farm meadow overlooking a spectacular fjord.

Guests told media outlets that Norwegian and U.S. artists performed at the event along with a gospel choir and a singer representing Norway's indigenous Sami people.

Norwegian TV personality Harald Ronneberg told public broadcaster NRK: 'It was fantastic! It was Hollywood meets Geiranger. It was gospel and love. We laughed, we clapped, and we were touched. It was absolutely beautiful.'

Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her US groom Shaman Durek delighted crowds lining the streets by sharing a kiss after their wedding
The pair shared a kiss in front of press and onlookers after the ceremony
Princess Martha and husband Durek greeted people from a balcony

The couple sold the wedding photo rights to British celebrity magazine Hello! and the film rights to Netflix.

The deals have prompted protests from Norwegian media, which say the arrangement goes against local practices.

The couple have often lashed out against the press while promoting themselves on social media.

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