King Harald of Norway has confirmed that his future son-in-law, Durek Verrett, won’t receive a royal title when he marries Princess Martha Louise.
In a statement, the Royal Court said that like men who had previously married princesses, Durek Verrett will become part of the royal family but won’t officially represent it or ever hold a title.
The court said ”Like Erling Lorentzen, Johan Martin Ferner and Ari Behn, Durek Verrett will become part of the Royal Family when he marries, but in keeping with tradition, he will have no title or represent the Royal Family.”
It went on ‘‘Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett will be present at important celebrations in the family, such as birthday celebrations — or at some major sporting events where there is a tradition for the Royal Family to participate together.”
The statement added that the family is ”very pleased that the princess has got engaged and want Durek Verrett to feel welcome in our family.”
However, it said that there will be a clear break between public duties and private business dealings for the couple from now onwards. Princess Martha Louise is stepping back from all royal duties and giving up all her patronages with immediate effect. She stopped using her title in business dealings several years ago but now neither she nor her future husband will make any links or associations to her royal status in their commercial activities or on social media. However, the fourth in line to the throne of Norway will retain her Instagram name @PrincessMarthaLouise.
The court added ‘‘This arrangement is intended to clarify a clearer distinction between commercial activity and the Royal House. The purpose is to create tranquility around the Royal Family and at the same time provide greater freedom for the Princess and Durek Verrett in their business, life and work.”
And the statement sharply criticised the racist abuse that Durek Verrett has received online, saying ”The racist attitudes Durek Verrett has been subjected to, especially on social media, we strongly oppose. It is a strength that the Royal Family reflects the ethnic diversity that exists in Norway. It can be difficult to understand how direct or indirect, conscious or unconscious racism can be experienced, for those of us who are not in it ourselves. Unfortunately, there are many in Norway today who experience discrimination and racism. We must work together to put an end to this.”
Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett are yet to set a date for their wedding.
The princess is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne.
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