NEWLY WEDDED BLISS AMONG THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS PRINCESS MARTHA LOUISE AND DUREK VERRETT EXTRAVAGANT CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE IN STYLE

After their wedding ceremony, newlyweds Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett were congratulated by their families and friends – including the bride’s parents King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, who affectionately embraced their new son-in-law.

- SALLY MORGAN

There were hugs, too, from Märtha’s brother Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Mette-Marit, their children Princess Ingrid and Prince Sverre, and Swedish royals, including Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.

Then, after posing for their first official portrait photos as husband and wife for HELLO!’S and ¡HOLA!’S world exclusive, the couple shared with us how they felt to begin their married life together.

“It’s very exciting,” said Märtha, smiling at Durek as she held his hand tightly in hers. Looking into his bride’s eyes, Durek said: “I’m so excited to be spending the rest of my life with this woman.”

PUBLIC APPEARANCE

The bride and groom went outside to the front of the Hotel Union in Geiranger to meet excited royal fans, who included well-wishers wearing traditional Norwegian costume and children in outfits reminiscent of the Disney film Frozen - a fairy tale set in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle that is inspired by Norway, and reflects aspects of Märtha's true story as a Princess who chooses her own life's path.

"The love and support of the people is so touching," Märtha told us.

Their guests were treated to an exquisite traditional afternoon tea on three-tiered china cake stands decked with a variety of sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam, and patisseries including macarons. Meanwhile the couple's loved ones placed beautiful gifts on a special wedding table at the end of the room.

Among them was a portrait of the newlyweds from Durek's friend Teddy Sennen, who'd commissioned a Colombian artist to paint a piece based on their wedding invitation.

SWEET SOMETHINGS