Royal families have always fascinated the world. From their lavish weddings to their hidden controversies, they live lives that feel like fairytales—except when reality hits harder than fiction.
We’ve seen it with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and now, Netflix brings another royal love story to the screen with Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story.
This new documentary dives into the relationship of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett, a romance that has been celebrated by some and criticized by many. But is it truly a love story, or is it a carefully crafted PR play?
Let’s break it down.
Behind the “Unlikely Love Story”
A Tale of Two Worlds
- The Royal: Princess Märtha Louise isn’t your typical royal. Born into the Norwegian monarchy, she stepped away from official royal duties in 2022 to follow a more spiritual and independent path. Her decision shocked traditionalists but also highlighted her desire to live life on her own terms.
- The Shaman: Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed spiritual healer and celebrity shaman, has worked with Hollywood elites and built a global following. But he has also faced criticism for his unconventional practices and commercial ventures, making him a controversial figure in Europe.
Narrative vs. Reality
The Netflix documentary paints their relationship as a “love against the odds”—a royal princess leaving behind duties for love and spirituality. But critics argue that the film is too one-sided, turning into more of a promotional story than an unbiased documentary.
This is no surprise considering it’s produced by Rebecca Chaiklin and Chris Smith, the minds behind Tiger King and FYRE.
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Deeper Issues the Documentary Explores
Clash of Tradition & Modernity
The Norwegian royal family is built on tradition and dignity. Märtha Louise’s decision to leave her duties and embrace Durek’s spiritual world created ripples in Norway.
The palace’s carefully worded reactions show their struggle to protect the monarchy’s reputation while respecting her personal freedom.
Racism & Public Pressure
Durek Verrett’s experience as a Black man in Norway is another key theme. The documentary highlights the racism, online hate, and prejudice the couple faced.
This raises important questions about diversity, inclusion, and how modern monarchies handle social change.
Commercialism vs. Ethics
One of the biggest controversies is whether this Netflix deal violates the agreement Märtha Louise made in 2022 to not use her royal title for commercial gain.
Critics argue that the film blurs the line between personal love story and profit-making venture, sparking ethical debates about mixing royalty with business.
Why It’s Trending in India
India has always been fascinated with royal families—whether it’s our own heritage of Maharajas and Maharanis or international monarchies. Shows like The Crown and Harry & Meghan gained huge viewership here, and Rebel Royals is no different.
The themes of tradition vs. love, spirituality vs. modernity, and social pressure vs. individuality deeply resonate with Indian audiences. After all, Indian society too often sees similar conflicts when it comes to marriages, family honor, and personal freedom.
Cast, Crew & IMDb Rating
- Princess Märtha Louise – Self
- Durek Verrett – Self
- Lars Berteig Andersen – Groomsman
- Kent Speakman – Groomsman
- Derek Jameson – Friend/Wedding Guest
- Matthew Dennis Lewis – Friend/Wedding Guest
- Derek Warburton – Friend
- Producers: Rebecca Chaiklin, Chris Smith (Tiger King, FYRE)
- IMDb Rating: 2.4/10
Where to Watch Rebel Royals in India
- 📺 Streaming Platform: Netflix India
- 📅 Release Date: 16 Sep 2024
- 🎬 Genre: Documentary, Biography, Romance
- ⏱️ Runtime: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
So if you have a Netflix subscription, you can stream it directly in India without any restrictions.
Comparison with Harry & Meghan
While Harry & Meghan focused on political and cultural struggles within the British monarchy, Rebel Royals leans more towards spirituality and personal transformation.
- Harry & Meghan: Royal duty vs. independence.
- Rebel Royals: Tradition vs. spirituality.
Both highlight how love can clash with the pressures of being royal, but Märtha Louise’s story feels even more unconventional.
Should You Watch Rebel Royals?
If you love royal dramas, romance stories, and controversies, then yes—this documentary is worth your time. It offers:
- A behind-the-scenes look at modern monarchy.
- Honest reflections on love and prejudice.
- Plenty of talking points for debates.
However, if you’re expecting a balanced, investigative piece, you may find it leaning too much in favor of the couple.
How did Princess Märtha Louise meet Durek Verrett?
They first met through mutual friends in the spiritual and wellness space. Märtha Louise had already been exploring spirituality, and Durek was well-known as a healer in Hollywood circles.
Their connection was instant, and they describe it as a bond that went beyond just attraction—more like soulmates finding each other.
Why is their love story considered “unlikely”?
Because it breaks almost every expectation of a traditional royal romance. A European princess falling in love with a controversial spiritual healer from America isn’t something you see every day.
Add in their cultural differences, public backlash, and royal restrictions—it really feels like a “love against the odds” story.
Did Märtha Louise give up her royal title for love?
Not exactly. She didn’t give up her title, but in 2022, she officially stepped back from royal duties. This was mainly to avoid conflicts between her role as a princess and her personal life with Durek, especially since their spiritual and business ventures brought a lot of public criticism.
So while love was part of the reason, it was also about maintaining clarity between royalty and personal freedom.
What role does spirituality play in their story?
A huge role. Both Märtha Louise and Durek believe their bond is spiritual as much as emotional. The documentary highlights how spirituality is the foundation of their relationship. But this is also where some criticism comes in—people accuse them of commercializing spiritual practices.
Why is Princess Märtha Louise’s relationship controversial in Norway?
Because many Norwegians feel her relationship—and especially Durek’s commercial spiritual practices—don’t match the dignity and traditions of the royal family.
Some also argue that by using her title in association with Durek’s work, she blurs the line between royalty and business.
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How did the Norwegian royal family react to the relationship?
The palace has been careful. They haven’t openly opposed her relationship, but they did release statements about how she should not use her title for commercial purposes.
When she stepped back from duties, it was seen as the family’s way of balancing respect for her choices while protecting the monarchy’s image.
What criticism did Durek Verrett face in Norway?
A lot. People have called his healing methods unscientific and accused him of promoting questionable products. Some even say he’s using Märtha Louise’s royal status for personal gain. He’s also faced racist backlash, which the documentary highlights in detail.
9. Is racism a key theme in Rebel Royals?
Yes, very much. Durek shares his struggles of being a Black man in Norway and how that played into the negative reactions to their relationship. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of racism, online hate, and prejudice.
Did Netflix exaggerate the conflicts for drama?
Honestly, it does feel that way at times. The documentary is very sympathetic toward Märtha Louise and Durek, which makes some critics feel it’s more of a PR piece than an unbiased film. While the conflicts shown are real, the way Netflix presents them is definitely polished for drama.
Conclusion
Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story is more than a documentary—it’s a mirror reflecting how love, tradition, race, and commerce collide in today’s world.
Whether you see it as a genuine romance or a carefully designed PR move, it sparks important conversations about the role of monarchy in modern society.
👉 So, what do you think? Is this just another royal controversy or a heartfelt story of love beyond boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
Is Rebel Royals based on a true story?
Yes, it follows the real-life romance of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and shaman Durek Verrett.
Who are Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett?
Märtha Louise is the daughter of Norway’s King Harald V, while Durek is a spiritual healer and author from the U.S.
Why is the documentary controversial?
Because critics believe it commercializes Märtha Louise’s royal status and portrays a one-sided story.
Where can I watch Rebel Royals in India?
It is streaming on Netflix India.
What is the IMDb rating of Rebel Royals?
The rating is not yet finalized as the release is very recent. Keep checking IMDb for updates.
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