Princess Martha Louise and Shaman Durek face backlash over unpaid wedding bills

In August 2024, Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her husband Shaman Durek celebrated their wedding in the scenic coastal town of Geiranger, Norway. The lavish four-day celebration included notable guests such as Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden. However, since the event, it has come to light that the royal couple has not yet settled their outstanding bills, amounting to over one million kroner. Reports from Norwegian media indicate that several vendors involved in the wedding have expressed frustration over unpaid invoices, with some having initiated formal collection actions to recover their money. Among the companies left waiting for payment is LYD AS, a provider of lighting and sound equipment, alongside smaller local businesses. One frustrated business owner communicated the disappointment felt within the community, stating the couple's failure to fulfill their financial obligations is seen as indecent behavior, likening it to the princess 'running away from the bill.' This situation has sparked outrage among local vendors who were excited to be part of the royal celebration and have instead been left with significant financial uncertainty. In addition to the financial woes, the royal couple faced criticism for their involvement in creating a gin brand that was woven into the wedding festivities. Although it is a tradition in Norway to offer drinks at weddings, this event notably limited guests to five drink vouchers. The gin's label featured the princess’s title, which raised eyebrows considering that she had previously agreed not to capitalize on her royal status for commercial gain. This violation of protocol, coupled with their monetary issues, has placed the couple in a controversial light, raising questions about their understanding of royal responsibilities and local customs. As the situation unfolds, it may have wider implications for Princess Martha Louise, who had already expressed her desire to step back from representing the Norwegian royal house officially. There is a growing sentiment among observers that the couple's actions could tarnish not only their own reputations but also those of the royal family, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of public figures and their accountability. The community's response illustrates a broader concern about the expectations placed on royalty to uphold certain standards of behavior, particularly in relation to financial dealings and respect for local businesses.