A bombshell Netflix documentary has thrown the Norwegian Royal Family into turmoil, drawing direct parallels to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from royal life. At the centre of the storm are Princess Märtha Louise, the 52-year-old daughter of King Harald V, and her controversial fiancé, American shaman Durek Verrett.
The film, which premiered this week, levels stunning accusations of racism and mistreatment within the palace walls, threatening to destabilise one of Europe's most respected monarchies.
A Royal Rebellion Unfolds
Princess Märtha Louise, once a beloved figure, relinquished her official duties in 2022 following widespread public criticism of her relationship with Mr. Verrett and their commercial ventures. The new documentary provides an intimate, no-holds-barred look at their lives since stepping back, framing their story as a battle against an archaic institution.
In a moment chillingly reminiscent of Meghan Markle's revelations to Oprah Winfrey, Mr. Verrett claims he faced deeply prejudiced attitudes. He alleges that a senior member of the royal household questioned whether his blood was 'too black' to befit royalty and suggested he was with the Princess for financial gain.
The Palace's Firm Stance
Buckingham Palace is not the only institution facing a modernisation crisis. The Norwegian Royal Court has been forced to publicly address the allegations. In a starkly worded statement, they firmly denied the claims of racism, stating: "The Royal House has not made any statements that can be understood as racist, neither in this case nor in general."
This defence highlights the deepening rift between the traditional monarchy and the couple's very public narrative of persecution and exclusion.
A 'Scandinavian Megxit' in the Making?
The parallels are undeniable. A high-profile royal couple, a lucrative media deal with Netflix, and serious allegations against the institution they left behind—the story arc is strikingly familiar. Commentators are already dubbing the situation Norway's 'Megxit' moment.
The couple's journey, from meeting at a California wellness conference to their spiritual workshops and Verrett's self-proclaimed shamanic healing practices, is portrayed as a quest for authenticity and love against overwhelming odds.
However, their commercial activities, including expensive masterclasses on communicating with angels, have drawn scepticism and concern, further fuelling the public and media backlash in Norway.
A Nation Divided
The documentary has split public opinion in the famously egalitarian nation. While some sympathise with the couple's personal struggles, others view the project as a calculated attack on a respected national symbol.
This crisis poses a significant challenge for the popular King Harald V, who has long been a unifying figure. How the monarchy navigates this very public and damaging dispute will likely define its relevance for generations to come.
