The King and Queen of Norway have said ”Americans don’t understand” when it comes to royals and royalty.
King Harald and Queen Sonja were speaking after their only daughter, Princess Martha Louise, gave up all her royal duties and patronages following controversy. She has been heavily criticised in recent times for business moves with her fiance, Durek Verrett, which include broadcasts called ”The Princess and the Shaman”. Durek Verrett has also been selling medallions online that he says can cure Covid.
Just hours after the Royal Court confirmed that the princess will no longer carry out engagements and that all her patronages will be returned and distributed to other members of the family, the King and Queen took questions from the press.
As they addressed the issue of why their future son-in-law had continued with business practices that had drawn so much debate, the King and Queen smiled as they said ”Americans have no idea what a kingdom is. So it’s no wonder he doesn’t realize”, adding ”Americans don’t understand the bearing of this here. They don’t. He thought he could do whatever he wanted without compromising us at all.”
Queen Sonja said ”But he’s understood that now, that we’re in this together. That he must also take into account what we stand for.”
However, King Harald and Queen Sonja were keen to emphasise their affection for their daughter’s partner as well as their love for the princess.
The Queen of Norway said ”Even though we disagree on some things, we love each other. And that’s the most important thing. So I have the feeling that the family is now very close to each other in a new, nice way.”
Addressing the issue of Martha Louise retaining her title, King Harald said ”She is our daughter, and she will continue to be. So she is Princess Märtha Louise.”
The Royal Court announced on November 8th 2022 that Princess Martha Louise will no longer perform royal duties or hold royal patronages other than for the fund that bears her name. It was also clearly stated that neither the princess nor her future husband would be allowed to refer to her royal links in any business or social media promotions, although the fourth in line to Norway’s throne will retain the Instagram name of Princess Martha Louise.
