Princess of Norway forced to address ‘lavender marriage’ accusations

A royal couple has provided the perfect response after being accused of having a 'lavender marriage'.

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her husband Durek Verrett tied the knot in August 2024, and while they were all smiles, others were speculating about their motive.

The pair, whose nuptials featured in the Netflix documentary Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, have directly addressed whether or not they entered into a lavender marriage.

For those of you who have just heard this term today, a lavender marriage is a term used to describe when a heterosexual partner marries a queer person to conceal their sexuality from the public. Or, when two queer people of opposite sex marry to do the same thing.

Essentially, they are platonic, but for all intents and purposes, present as a married couple to others and within the law.

The rumour came about when it became public that Durek identifies as bisexual, and was married to a woman named Zaneta Marzalkova from 2005 until their divorce in 2009, and was also engaged to a man named Hank Greenberg in between the marriage, from 2007 to 2015.

Addressing all the speculation, the pair took to Instagram to share a joint post of them directly responding to such claims.

The video starts with the two looking at the camera wearing monochrome outfits. Across the screen, the overlay text reads: "What's a lavender marriage?"

The pair look confused before the princess clicks her fingers and the two reappear dressed in lavender clothing.

Several comments then flash upon the screen including: "The real housewife of Norway and her lavender marriage."

Another added: "Girl, I don’t know if you know but you are in a lavender marriage."

Märtha Louise and Durek then both shook their heads before the words 'Hmm we do like lavender but doesn't seem right' appeared

"Ordinary isn’t our thing," the final onscreen text concluded as the pair appeared back in their multi-coloured clothing. "We just love."

A final transition in the short clip showed Durek dipping his wife in a dance move as they lovingly looked at each other.

They captioned the post, which was shared on Tuesday (7 October): "Thought it was lavender? Plot twist. It’s just love and legacy.”

The pair were inundated with praise in the comments with one Instagram user writing: "Lol, the happiest, most loving couple ever! Rebel Royals rock, and thank you for sharing your love with the world. Haters are going to hate…"

"It’s all about soul connection! And you can see you two are very connected," beamed a second while a third chimed in: "Hahahhaha you two are the best, yass, love how you don’t take in the hate."

Another gushed: "You‘re soo fun & cute together!"

And a final fan echoed: "Exuding love and silliness always!"