Norwegian Princess Engaged to American Shaman Also Gives Up Royal Duties

Maintaining the Title of Princess Gongju While Focusing on Alternative Medicine Business with Fianc? Durek Bennet
17% of Norwegian Citizens Negatively Evaluate the Royal Family... Princess Louise Cited as the Main Reason

Princess M?rtha Louise of Norway and her fianc? Durek Bennett. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] Marta Louise (51), a Norwegian princess engaged to an American shaman, has given up her royal duties to focus on her alternative medicine business.

According to a report by the British Guardian on the 8th (local time), the Norwegian royal family issued a statement saying, "Princess Louise will no longer represent the royal family at this time," and "she will retain her title as princess according to the wishes of King Harald V."

Princess Louise is the eldest daughter of King Harald V and was fourth in line to the throne. In June, she announced her engagement to Durek Barrett (47), an American who claims to be the 'spiritual mentor of Hollywood.'

Barrett, who calls himself a 'shaman,' stirred controversy by publishing a book titled Spirit Hacking in 2019, in which he claimed that people get cancer because they are unhappy. He also claimed to have helped overcome COVID-19 and sold medals related to this. Princess Louise, also fascinated by mysticism, once claimed she could see the souls of the dead and communicate with angels. Facing public criticism, she announced that year she would not commercially use her title as a princess.

The Norwegian royal family explained the princess's decision to give up her duties as "to more clearly distinguish the boundary between their commercial activities and the royal family." The royal family also stated, "We have deep trust in the Norwegian health authorities," emphasizing the importance of medical knowledge and scientific research.

However, Princess Louise stated in a declaration, "It is not easy to summarize the elements of a good life and physical and mental health in a single research report," adding, "Spirituality, intimacy, yoga, and meditation can be important factors." She also said, "I felt it was very important to distinguish between my private self and my role as a member of the royal family," and expressed that she does not want anyone to answer on her behalf.

Meanwhile, according to a survey conducted last September, 17% of Norwegians evaluated the royal family negatively. The Guardian reported that most of the negative evaluations were attributed to Princess Louise and her husband Barrett.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.