Yesterday, NRK reported that the British celebrity magazine Hello Magazine had secured the rights to photos from Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett’s wedding. Additionally, TV rights were linked to Netflix, according to the channel’s sources.
NRK now reports that the Royal House opposes the exclusive agreements.
– We are aware that exclusive rights have been granted to two media outlets for coverage of the wedding of Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett, writes the communications manager at the Palace, Guri Varpe, in an email to NRK.
– Members of the Royal Family have reserved themselves from being photographed and filmed by these two media outlets in cases where the press does not otherwise have access, she adds.
Created Debate
The agreements have sparked reactions. Nettavisen’s royal expert, Tove Taalesen, has long suspected that the wedding was sold to an international magazine. She believes that Märtha Louise commercially benefits from her royal connections.
– She would not have been able to sell rights if she were not using her connection to the Royal Family. She is building her commercial career on her proximity to the Norwegian Royal Family, Taalesen tells Nettavisen.
Also read: Reacting to the wedding agreement: – Building her commercial career
Hello! Magazine sidesteps the princess title by referring to Märtha Louise as the daughter of the King and Queen of Norway.
Both Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett have been critical of the press on several occasions in recent years, yet they have still chosen to enter into an exclusive agreement with a large international magazine in connection with the wedding celebration.
– They live off it
Reputation expert Trond Blindheim believes it sends a signal that they are dependent on media exposure.
– Especially Durek is dependent on significant media attention. That is what they live off and their form of advertising. It is the media coverage that allows them to charge so much for their fraud, the reputation expert tells Nettavisen.
Taalesen also points out that the couple likely profits well from the exposure.
– It is interesting that more details are now leaking from the wedding. Guests confirm they are invited, and we learn details about the salsa theme, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. The attention is back on the couple! They love this, and perhaps Norwegian media have helped them create more attention so they can earn even more money, Taalesen says.
Criticism from Editors
The Palace refers in today’s statement to the previous agreement that was concluded with Princess Märtha Louise regarding restrictions on the use of the title.
The King emphasized when the agreement was made public in 2022 that he wishes for the princess to retain her title.
The exclusivity agreement during the wedding has drawn criticism from editorial circles in several media, partly because it places the King and Queen and the Crown Prince family in a difficult situation, as they do not have a tradition of entering into such agreements.
– Accredited media can attend to take pictures, film, and in some instances gain access to speak with both guests and the couple. We will also distribute images of the couple and the family to anyone who wishes to receive them, says communications officer Simon Eriksen Valvik for the wedding to NTB.