King Harald of Norway has confirmed to Norwegian media that the Royal Court is in dialogue about the commercial use of Princess Märtha Louise’s title.
Confirming the dialogue is underway to NRK, His Majesty said, “At the present time, we cannot say how far we have come in the dialogue. But we are trying to get an arrangement.”
The King was questioned on if the commercial use of the title has burdened the Royal Family to which he replied, “No, not really.”
Princess Märtha Louise has come under fire in Norway since she used her title in the marketing of the tour she undertook in Norway and Denmark with her boyfriend, Shaman Durek Verrett, 44, which was called “The Princess and the Shaman”. Mr Verrett is half Norwegian and half African-American and describes himself as a “spiritual guide and gifted healer.”
The Princess, 47, was asked in May if she had plans to give up her title by Norway’s TV2. “That’s not something I am considering,” she responded.
Norwegian editorial newspaper Dagsavisen wrote earlier that month that Princess Märtha Louise was causing “a catastrophe” for the Norwegian Royal Family as well as credibility problems due to her new relationship and her supposed ability to heal and communicate with angels.
Märtha Louise held the style of ‘Royal Highness’ until 2002 when it was removed by her father, after discussions with her, to allow her work with more freedom while owning her own business without the constraints of the ‘HRH’.
Her Highness was born on 22 September 1971 as the only daughter and elder child of then-Crown Prince Harald and Crown Princess Sonja (current King Harald and Queen Sonja). She has a younger brother, Crown Prince Haakon.
In 1990, the Norwegian Constitution was altered to allow for female ascension to the throne beginning for those born after 1990. This means that Märtha Louise did not jump over her brother in the line of succession, but her niece, Princess Ingrid Alexandra was guaranteed a right to ascend the throne ahead of her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus.
