Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, at age 54, has stepped forward to counter speculation about her personal life. Alongside her husband, Durek Verrett, aged 50, she tackled whispers of a so-called "lavender marriage," a term implying a union to mask queer identities.
According to the New York Post, the couple first came together in 2018, sparking debates that have persisted over time. Their relationship, unconventional by royal standards, has often drawn public scrutiny. For conservatives, such attention highlights the clash between tradition and modern personal choices.
Verrett, who identifies as bisexual, was previously married to Zaneta Marzalkova from 2005 to 2009. He was also engaged to Hank Greenberg from 2007 until they split in 2015. These past relationships fuel some of the ongoing speculation about his marriage.
Princess Märtha Louise herself was married to Ari Behn from 2002 to 2017. Tragically, Behn passed away by suicide in 2019. This history adds a layer of complexity to her public narrative and personal journey.
The couple tied the knot in 2024, a union spotlighted in the September 2024 Netflix documentary titled "Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story." This exposure intensified public interest and criticism. For many on the right, such media portrayals often sensationalize private matters.
Verrett was initially presented to Louise’s daughters—Maud, 22, Leah, 20, and Emma, 17—as a gay best friend. Only later did they learn of the romantic bond. This gradual introduction reflects a cautious approach to blending family dynamics.
On Monday, Oct. 9, 2025, Louise and Verrett shared a joint Instagram video to address the rumors. A question box asked, “What’s a Lavender Marriage?” before showing them in lavender outfits. Screenshots of critical online comments were included for context.
The video showed the pair shaking their heads at the criticism, then switching to vibrant attire. Verrett dipped Louise in a tender dance move, gazing affectionately. A closing message declared, “Ordinary isn’t our thing. We just love.”
Their Instagram caption read, “Thought it was lavender? Plot twist. It’s just love and legacy.” For conservatives, this public display might seem an overreaction to idle gossip, though it underscores their intent to define their narrative.
Post-Netflix documentary, accusations surfaced that the couple breached an agreement with the Norwegian royal family. This came after Louise stepped down from senior duties in 2022. Such tensions reveal the delicate balance between personal freedom and royal obligations.
Verrett later withdrew his earlier remarks suggesting racism by his father-in-law, the king. He clarified his intent in a detailed online statement. This retraction shows an effort to mend familial and public perceptions amidst misunderstanding. “Being married is amazing, especially when you’re married to the love of your life. It’s amazing to be married to a man who loves me like you do,” Louise shared in a joint interview with Today.com last month.
For conservatives, Louise’s heartfelt words may resonate as a genuine defense of personal happiness, yet the public nature of this debate feels unnecessary. Royal lives, while public, deserve boundaries from speculative social media chatter. Tradition often clashes with today’s oversharing culture.
“I’m glad that she actually told them that I was her gay best friend in the beginning, because they’re very strong personalities, and let me tell you, those girls would’ve put me through the ringer. The fact that I became the cool gay best friend, and I kind of eased in that way, and then when they got to realize that we were actually in love with each other, it kind of eased it a little bit,” said Verrett in the Netflix documentary.
Conservatives might appreciate Verrett’s tactful approach to family integration, but question why such personal strategies need airing in documentaries. While the current president of the United States, Donald Trump, champions individual liberty, this level of disclosure often fuels more rumors than resolves.