Princess Märtha Louise faces bittersweet milestone days after losing her father King Harald

Monday, August 31, should have been an especially joyful date for Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Durek Verrett as they marked their second wedding anniversary. This year, however, memories of their celebration are inevitably overshadowed by grief following the death of the princess’ father, King Harald V, on Friday at the age of 89.

The timing has transformed what was one of the happiest days of Märtha Louise’s life into a particularly emotional anniversary. Just two years ago, she and Durek exchanged vows in a spectacular wedding in Geiranger, surrounded by relatives and friends against the breathtaking backdrop of Norway’s fjords.

Now, as Norway mourns the monarch who served the country for more than 35 years, Märtha Louise is marking the milestone without the father who shared that unforgettable day with her.

Two years since their historic royal wedding:

Märtha Louise and Durek became husband and wife on August 31, 2024, following six years together. 

© CORNELIUS POPPE

Their wedding, held at Hotel Union in Geiranger, became one of the most talked-about royal celebrations of the year and reflected the distinctive personalities of a couple who have never been afraid to challenge convention.

The princess, the daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, found a life partner in Durek after the couple weathered years of intense public attention and criticism surrounding their relationship.

© HEIKO JUNGE

King Harald attended the celebration alongside Queen Sonja and proudly accompanied his daughter during one of the most significant days of her life. Images of the late sovereign sharing the occasion with Märtha Louise have now become family memories that will carry even greater meaning for the princess.

Märtha Louise loses her father days before her anniversary:

Harald’s death followed an especially difficult period for the Norwegian royal family. The King had experienced several health concerns in recent years, and his condition deteriorated considerably in August.

© Getty Images

He was admitted to Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet on August 17 for treatment related to a blood disorder. His health later worsened after he developed a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, and he remained surrounded by his loved ones during his final hours.

His son Haakon stayed close to him through the night. He arrived at the hospital as crown prince and left as Norway’s new King after Harald died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, August 28.

© Courtesy of Netflix

For Märtha Louise, the loss means saying goodbye to one of the most important people in her life just as she marks two years since the day Harald stood proudly beside her as the father of the bride.

King Haakon VIII begins a new era for Norway:

King Harald’s death has opened a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy. His only son, Haakon, automatically succeeded him and is now King Haakon VIII.

© NTB/AFP via Getty Images

The transition occurred at the moment of his father’s death, bringing Harald’s reign of more than 35 years to an end. Haakon must now navigate the dual responsibility of grieving as a son while leading the monarchy through a period of profound national mourning.

Märtha Louise is also entering a new phase within her family. The younger brother she grew up beside is no longer the crown prince but the sovereign at the head of Norway’s royal house.

An anniversary marked by Durek’s health battle:

The family’s grief comes amid another deeply personal chapter for Märtha Louise and her husband. Durek recently underwent a kidney transplant at Oslo University Hospital after years of serious health problems.

© NTB

In an especially poignant coincidence, Durek and King Harald were being treated at the same hospital during the monarch’s final days.

Durek’s surgery was successful, and the couple expressed their profound gratitude to the donor and the medical professionals who cared for him. For Märtha Louise, the past several days have therefore brought sharply conflicting emotions, relief over her husband’s recovery and immense sorrow over the loss of her father.

© STIAN LYSBERG SOLUM

King Harald’s memory on their second anniversary:

As Märtha Louise and Durek mark their second anniversary on August 31, it will be impossible not to look back at their wedding day.

Two years ago, King Harald was there to share one of the most important moments of his daughter’s life. This year, his absence will be felt profoundly, but so too will the memories of the love and pride with which he stood beside her.