Princess Märtha Louise of Norway has recently found herself at the center of a series of events that could easily be described as a “nightmare,” as complications continue to affect her everyday life. Since stepping back from her role as an active member of the Norwegian royal family, announced in a 2022 statement confirming she would “no longer carry out official duties for the Royal House,” her situation has been particularly delicate.
Although recent years have also brought joyful moments, the process of moving into her new home has turned what was meant to be a fresh start into an increasingly complicated challenge.
The Origin of the Princess’s Situation
In September 2024, Märtha Louise wore an elegant white ensemble as she said “I do” to Durek Verrett. The wedding came after her separation from author Ari Behn, with whom she had been married for 14 years and with whom she shares three daughters.
“I’m not saying the process is over; it’s still an open wound. It’s a long journey,” the princess said at the time.
That life transition eventually led her to sell the home filled with memories from that chapter. Looking ahead, she purchased what she hoped would be the house where she and Verrett would begin their new life together.
© HEIKO JUNGEIn 2023, Märtha Louise bought the property for nearly €1.7 million (about $2.0 million). What began as an exciting new step, particularly as she planned a future alongside Verrett, soon became a complicated ordeal. After the purchase, the princess discovered several defects in the property and requested a reduction of more than €140,000 (about $162K) from the original price. The dispute ultimately went to court.
The legal process ended with an agreement between both parties, and at the time, the princess told the Norwegian outlet VG that she was “happy to have resolved the case.”
A New Problem Emerges
However, according to the Norwegian news agency Nettavisen, Märtha Louise has still been unable to complete her move. Just when everything appeared to be settled, a new obstacle surfaced, delaying the couple’s plans to relocate to the property.
The issue stems from the princess requesting permission from the local municipality to add an additional floor to the home, a request that is still pending approval.
© Vivien KillileaLocal outlet Budstikka reports that construction work has been paused while authorities carry out an inspection to evaluate the protection of cultural heritage sites, the surrounding environment, and the natural values of the area near the residence of King Harald and Queen Sonja’s daughter.
According to the publication, the process has been further delayed because neighbors in the area were reportedly not consulted before the plans were submitted.
A Difficult Time for the Couple
The situation is one the couple has handled largely out of the public eye. Adding to the emotional strain, they have also faced the recent loss of two close friends.
One of them was actor Eric Dane. Speaking about the loss, Verrett shared a heartfelt tribute, “I came to know him through our deep friendship, and I saw the strength, devotion, and love that surrounded him. What many people don’t see is what a mother carries as she stands beside her partner in his battle with ALS, while keeping her children grounded and trying to remain strong herself. That kind of courage is quiet, relentless, sacred. It is love in its purest and most heroic form.”
Just weeks earlier, the princess’s husband had also publicly mourned another close friend, James Van Der Beek, who had been a strong supporter of his relationship with Märtha Louise.
© IG: shamandurekOnce again, Verrett reflected on the importance of friendship while sharing a deeply personal message, “Märtha felt that same sincerity in you. You honored our union. You encouraged us to protect our home, to be gentle with one another, to choose devotion every single day.”
© IG: shamandurekA situation that has now become even more complicated because of the setbacks preventing them from moving into what should have been their new home.
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