Norway Royal Family Scandals: What Happened?

What comes to mind when you think of the Norway Royal Family? Probably stunning fjords, cozy hygge vibes, and maybe even some elegant state banquets. But like any family, even those living in palaces aren't immune to drama. Yep, the Norway Royal Family has had its fair share of juicy scandals that have sent ripples through the usually serene Scandinavian nation. From questionable relationships to alleged indiscretions, these royal sagas have kept the tabloids busy and the public talking. Let's dive into some of the most talked-about scandals that have rocked the Norwegian monarchy, because let's be honest, who doesn't love a good royal gossip session?

Princess Märtha Louise's Controversial Relationship

One of the most prominent scandals to involve the Norway Royal Family centers around Princess Märtha Louise and her relationship with Durek Verrett. Princess Märtha Louise, the only daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, announced her engagement to Verrett, an American "spiritual guide" and shaman, back in 2019. This wasn't just any engagement; it was one that immediately raised eyebrows and sparked considerable debate within Norway and beyond. Verrett's unconventional beliefs, which include claims of being a "shaman" and having mystical healing powers, were met with skepticism and criticism. Many felt his persona and teachings were too far removed from the traditional, down-to-earth image the Norwegian Royal House had cultivated over the years.

The "Princess Märtha Louise Enterprises" Controversy

Adding fuel to the fire, Princess Märtha Louise decided to step down from her official royal duties in 2017 to pursue her own business ventures. While this move was intended to give her more freedom, it soon became entangled in controversy. She co-founded a business called "Princess Märtha Louise Enterprises," which aimed to offer spiritual and self-help workshops. Critics argued that this venture, and particularly her association with Durek Verrett through it, blurred the lines between her royal status and her private commercial activities. The perception was that she was using her royal title to promote her business, which many found inappropriate. The Norwegian public, known for its egalitarian values, struggled to reconcile the idea of a princess running a spiritual business with the monarchy's role as a unifying national symbol. This led to significant public backlash and intense media scrutiny. The discussions often revolved around whether it was appropriate for a member of the royal family to engage in such public-facing commercial activities, especially when those activities involved controversial spiritual claims.

The Divorces and Their Fallout

Before Durek Verrett entered the picture, Princess Märtha Louise was married to Ari Behn. Their divorce in 2017 also generated considerable media attention. Behn, a celebrated author, was known for his sometimes eccentric and outspoken personality. Following their divorce, Behn made several public statements that were interpreted as critical of the royal family and his ex-wife's new relationship. His candidness, while appreciated by some for its honesty, also contributed to the ongoing narrative of drama surrounding the princess. Sadly, Ari Behn passed away in December 2019, a tragic event that cast a somber shadow over the family. His passing brought a temporary halt to public discourse about the royal family's issues, but the underlying tensions and questions surrounding Märtha Louise's choices remained.

Durek Verrett's Past Statements and Beliefs

Further complicating matters, Durek Verrett himself has been the subject of controversy due to his past statements and beliefs. He has made claims that have been described as anti-Semitic and has promoted unproven and potentially dangerous health remedies. For instance, he has promoted the idea that cancer can be treated through spiritual means, which drew strong criticism from medical professionals and health organizations. These revelations cast a shadow over his character and raised concerns about his influence on Princess Märtha Louise and, by extension, the royal family. The Norwegian media and public were divided on how to react, with some defending the princess's right to choose her partner and beliefs, while others felt that the royal family's reputation was being jeopardized. The sheer volume of controversy surrounding Verrett's public persona and past statements made his integration into the royal sphere a significant challenge and a persistent topic of discussion.

The Royal Family's Response

The Norway Royal Family, particularly King Harald V and Queen Sonja, have often found themselves in a delicate position. While they have generally maintained a stance of supporting their daughter's choices, they have also had to navigate the public's strong opinions. King Harald V, in a rare public statement, addressed the controversy surrounding his daughter's relationship and business, emphasizing that while Märtha Louise would retain her title, she would no longer use it for commercial purposes. This was a significant compromise, aimed at appeasing public concerns while still acknowledging his daughter's personal life. The palace has largely tried to maintain a dignified silence on the most contentious aspects, allowing Princess Märtha Louise to handle most of the public relations surrounding her own ventures and relationship. However, the ongoing scrutiny and the need for such public statements highlight the challenges faced by modern monarchies in balancing tradition with contemporary personal freedoms and commercial interests. The public's expectation of royalty is evolving, and the Norwegian Royal Family, like others, is navigating this new landscape with varying degrees of success and ongoing debate.

Prince Sverre Magnus's "Rebel" Moment

While not as serious as the controversies surrounding Princess Märtha Louise, another moment that briefly captured public attention involved Prince Sverre Magnus, the younger son of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. During the official celebrations for his grandparents' 80th birthday in 2017, a young Prince Sverre Magnus, who was just 11 years old at the time, was filmed making a rather cheeky gesture to the cameras as the royal family gathered on the balcony of the Royal Palace. While his older sister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, offered a polite wave, Sverre Magnus appeared to pull a