Norway's estranged Princess Märtha Louise and her husband, American self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett, are set to return to reality television in a new series titled Alternative Norway, airing on Viaplay. The show promises a "warm, entertaining, and intimate" look into Norway's esoteric scene, featuring clairvoyants, animal interpreters, and even Magnus Store, a breathing instructor who is the son of Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Previous Netflix Docuseries
The couple previously sold the rights to their 2024 wedding to Netflix for the docuseries Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, which sparked controversy in Norway. During the series, Verrett claimed to be "half reptilian" in a chanting session. Critics argued the commercial venture blurred the lines between royalty and private business, but Princess Märtha Louise dismissed the backlash, stating that critics "have just met their own limitations."
Princess Defends Her Choices
Speaking to TV2 in Norway, the princess expressed her excitement about the new project: "I am very happy to be part of creating a bridge and normalising this so that more people dare to come forward and say who they are. The most important thing in life is that we dare to be ourselves." She added, "I am connected to God, and if that makes people uncomfortable—well, then you’re going to be very uncomfortable."
The princess has previously addressed criticism, telling Town & Country that she has learned to brush it off. She explained that people criticize because "they get triggered, because they have met a limitation or a wall within themselves." She urged others to "stand for what we stand for instead of listening to all the critical people."
Royal Family Scandals
The new show comes at a turbulent time for the Norwegian Royal Family, which is embroiled in scandal following the conviction of Marius Borg Hoiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon. Hoiby was found guilty of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison after a seven-week trial. He joined the royal family when his mother Mette-Marit married Haakon in 2001.
Princess Märtha Louise withdrew from royal duties in 2022 to pursue alternative therapies, including a training center for clairvoyants who believe in the supernatural ability of "clear seeing."
