World News for Students of English

03-09-2024 15:00

Norway’s Princess Martha Louise married Durek Verrett, an American spiritual guru, in a ceremony attended by Norwegian royalty, including the king.

The wedding was held in Geiranger, and it marked the end of three days of festivities celebrating the couple’s relationship, which began in 2019. Martha Louise, fourth in line to the throne, stepped down from royal duties in 2022 to focus on her business ventures, and both she and Verrett agreed not to use her princess title commercially. However, they faced criticism for linking her royal status with commercial activities, especially after promoting a pink gin for their wedding. The ceremony, unlike her first wedding, was private and attended only by selected media.

Verrett, though part of the extended royal family, won’t become a prince. The marriage has been seen as controversial due to Martha Louise’s earlier claims of clairvoyance and her new husband’s shamanic practices.

Difficult words: venture (a business activity), controversial (causing public disagreement or discussion), clairvoyance (the ability to see the future or gain information beyond normal senses).

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