Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and spiritual guide Durek Verrett are stepping into the global spotlight once again, this time through the lens of a Netflix documentary. Their story, long marked by both adoration and controversy, now reaches its largest audience yet with the release of Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, which premiered on September 16.
A Love Story on Screen
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Chaiklin, best known for her work on Tiger King, the documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of Märtha Louise and Verrett’s journey leading up to their highly publicized wedding in Norway in August 2024. Cameras captured intimate moments as the couple navigated media attention, family traditions, and cultural differences while preparing for a ceremony that blended royal heritage with modern spiritual symbolism.
The film presents not only the grandeur of a royal wedding but also the deeply personal dimensions of the couple’s relationship. From quiet planning sessions to emotional exchanges with loved ones, the documentary aims to show what lies behind the public image—two people committed to building a life together despite skepticism and scrutiny.
Breaking Tradition, Embracing Individuality
Märtha Louise has often described her relationship with Verrett as both unconventional and transformative. By choosing to share their story with the world on Netflix, the couple further positions themselves as modern royals unafraid of challenging expectations. For Märtha Louise, who stepped back from official royal duties in 2019, the project underscores her decision to live authentically while redefining her role outside of strict royal boundaries.
Meanwhile, Verrett—an American shaman and healer—has spoken openly about the challenges of entering into one of Europe’s oldest monarchies. The film highlights his perspective, offering insight into how love and personal conviction can withstand cultural pressures and public debate.
The Wedding That Captured the World
Their wedding in Norway last year was a headline-making event, drawing attention for its blend of royal pageantry and spiritual rituals. For many observers, it symbolized a turning point: a union that celebrated not only tradition but also individuality and modern love. The Netflix film revisits that moment, combining behind-the-scenes footage with reflections from the couple about what the day meant to them.
A Global Stage
By premiering on Netflix, Rebel Royals brings the couple’s story to millions worldwide, elevating their narrative beyond the European press coverage that has followed them for years. It is both a love story and a commentary on what it means to balance personal freedom with inherited legacy in the 21st century.
As the film gains traction, audiences are invited to reconsider long-held ideas about royalty, identity, and love. For Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett, this documentary is not just about their wedding—it is about declaring who they are, together, on their own terms.PEOPLE.
“I think it’s important for us to share a story of resilience, and a story that makes people walk away with the feeling of inspiration to live their truth as they are, unapologetically,” he says. “And I think that’s a very important aspect that we wanted to share with the world, especially in today’s world. With everything that’s happening, it really gives people a feeling of hope and a feeling of, ‘Wow, I can live free and live to be my truth and know that I can be exactly as I am.’ “Durek Verrett and Princess Martha Louise in “Rebel Royals.”.
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and spiritual guide Durek Verrett have opened up their lives to the world in Netflix’s new documentary Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, which premiered on September 16. Directed by Emmy-nominated Rebecca Chaiklin (Tiger King), the film follows the couple for over three years, capturing their love, their struggles, and the lead-up to their highly publicized wedding in Norway in August 2024.
Breaking Barriers in Royal History
In the documentary, Durek openly shares that he is bisexual and reflects on the historic significance of becoming the first Black man to marry into a European royal family. Princess Märtha Louise, the daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, though she stepped back from official royal duties in 2022 to freely pursue her business and personal interests.
Their decision to film with Netflix was, according to Märtha Louise, about authenticity. “Rebecca wanted to show our love story authentically, allowing us to be ourselves,” she explained. Durek added that Netflix provided the perfect platform to share not just their romance but also their resilience in the face of adversity.
Love, Adversity, and Authenticity
Rebel Royals does not shy away from the challenges the couple has faced. It explores the harsh scrutiny of the Norwegian press, Durek’s fragile health following a kidney transplant, and the grief surrounding the tragic death of Märtha Louise’s ex-husband, Ari Behn, in 2019. Together, Märtha Louise and Durek are raising her three daughters—Maud, Leah, and Emma—whom Durek calls his “bonus kids.”
Durek admits the media storm initially shook him, especially when he was portrayed unfairly as a fraud. He believes race and sexuality played a role in that criticism, saying, “They don’t want a shaman who is Black and bisexual marrying their princess.” Yet, he insists the scrutiny ultimately strengthened him, forcing him to focus on his values, his community, and advocacy for women, people of color, Indigenous voices, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Märtha Louise echoes this sentiment, noting that she had warned him of the scrutiny that comes with royal life but insists it has made them both stronger. “Whatever is thrown at us is something we can evolve through and learn from,” she said, emphasizing their shared mission of truth and resilience.
A Royal Wedding Like No Other
The couple’s wedding at Hotel Union in Geiranger, Norway, in August 2024 brought their theme of love to life. It was a joyous gathering of family and friends from across the world, blending royal tradition with their own personal spirituality. Märtha Louise admitted to last-minute seating plan changes, while Durek fondly described the celebration as “a love ball” and “a return to love.”
Despite the pressures of planning, the couple recalled the enchantment of uniting their loved ones. “Everyone took their place to make sure Märtha and I had less stress,” Durek reflected. “Everything was just pure love.”
Standing Against Prejudice, Standing for Love
The film also touches on larger issues, including racism, cultural conditioning, and societal expectations. Durek recalls King Harald’s acknowledgment of the challenges he faced, particularly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey highlighted racism in the press. Instead of victimhood, Durek frames these struggles as opportunities to promote love, kindness, and community.
“Norway is an amazing place,” he says, “and while challenges remain, the most important thing is that we focus on love, kindness, generosity, and community.”
A Love Story for the World
By premiering on Netflix, Märtha Louise and Durek’s story now transcends royal circles and Norwegian tabloids, reaching a global audience. Their documentary is not just about a wedding, but about redefining what it means to be royal, to be different, and to be true to oneself.
At its core, Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story is a testament to resilience, love beyond boundaries, and the courage to live authentically—even in the face of public scrutiny. For Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett, this is more than a film. It is a declaration that their love, tested and triumphant, belongs on the world stage.
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