Here’s what we know about her and her relationships …
She believes she has supernatural powers and created a school to share her gift
Is Princess Märtha Louise really psychic? She certainly believes so. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
In July 2007, local news site Aftenposten announced the princess’ latest business venture. Along with friend and business partner Elisabeth Nordeng, the princess co-created Astarte Education, a school that offered “readings, healing, crystals and hands-on treatment,” as a way for clients to “get in touch with their own truths” and “help people get in touch with their angels”, The name was eventually changed to Soulspring, though many in Norway dubbed it the “angel school”.
The elegant Märtha Louise has dabbled in several business ventures over the years, but also still carries out some royal duties. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
Per the report, the princess is educated as a physiotherapist and also trained as a Rosen therapist. She also claims to have had psychic abilities since childhood, considers herself a clairvoyant, and says she is able to communicate with animals.
In 2018, the website News in English Norway reported that the princess and her business partner had decided to close down the school after seeing their profits decline.
She’s an equestrian and a children’s author
Princess Märtha Louise believes she can talk to horses, but was also a national level show jumper until 2000. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
The princess had a solid career as a show jumper, according to the Royal Court website, and was even part of the national team. She retired in 2000.
Princess Märtha Louise values wellness and health practices, and once owned a school aimed at helping people find themselves. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
Taking further steps to support herself financially, the princess is also a published author. One of her notable works is a picture book for children called Why Kings and Queens Don’t Wear Crowns, which was first published in Norway in 2004. The book comes with an audio CD where readers can listen to the princess herself narrating the story.
She decided to drop her royal title for work in 2019
As someone who always seems to have a new business venture up her sleeve, the royal decided that she would drop the use of her title in “commercial contexts”, after having consulted her family back in 2019, according to Hola! Märtha Louise now only uses her royal title while performing duties on behalf of the Royal House of Norway.
Princess Märtha Louise is also involved with the clothing brand Hést – you can see the princess modelling one a jumper in the top right corner. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
On her social media, she posted, “I am simply Märtha Louise. Let’s explore life and go on adventures together.” She has since managed two separate Instagram accounts to document her royal and non-royal duties separately.
She has three children with author Ari Behn, who died in 2019
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway with her ex-husband and father to her three children, Ari Behn. Photo: DPA
As outlined on the Royal Court website, the princess was engaged to author Ari Behn in 2001, and the two wed in 2002. They have three daughters. In 2016, after more than a decade of being together, the pair decided to go their separate ways, and were divorced in 2017.
Märtha Louise went into a “pit of depression” after learning about her ex-husband Ari Behn’s suicide. Photo: AP
According to an article in People, the Royal House had declared the split an “amicable” one, and in the princess’ statement, she had noted that while the marriage was over, she and Behn would continue to “stand together as parents”. Behn is said to have lived nearby to be close to their children.
However, in a tragic turn of events, it was announced in 2019 that Behn had committed suicide on Christmas Day. He was 47. Another People article from that year quotes the princess reflecting on the ordeal. She said: “It is like having tunnel vision because it does cover everything. You can get stuck in that sorrow and you can go into a pit of depression, which I did, and you can get out of it as well.”
She found new love with wellness guru Durek Verrett
Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett on holiday in Turkey together. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
In May 2019, Märtha Louise announced via social media that she’d found her “twin flame” in Durek Verrett, an American shaman, making their relationship Instagram official.
Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett, shown here on Valentine’s Day, made their relationship and engagement Instagram official in May 2019. Photo: @iam_marthalouise/Instagram
The pair have also announced their engagement on social media.
Verrett is the author of a book called Spirit Hacking: Shamanic Keys to Reclaim Your Personal Power, Transform Yourself, and Light Up the World, so the pair are clearly into the same things.
The US-born businessman, who is three years Märtha Louise’s junior, proposed with a ring that includes an emerald – a gem that the princess’ mother, Queen Sonja, is fond of, according to Town & Country. It also features three diamonds, which are said to represent the princess’ three daughters.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.
