The royal wedding of the year is only a few days away but did you know for what special reason Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her fiancé Shaman Durek tied the knot in August?

Although it is not an official tradition for Norwegian royals to marry in August, it seems that Martha and Durek have followed in the footsteps of the princess’s royal relatives.

© Getty

Martha Louise’s parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, married in 1968 and tied the knot on August 29. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Crown Prince and Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby said “I do” on August 25, 2001.

Another reason why the couple may have chosen midsummer to say “I do” is due to the incredible location.

© Getty

August is said to be one of the best times of year to visit the beautiful Geirangerfjord, where the wedding will take place.

Norway holds a special place in the hearts of Martha Louise and her future husband. Shaman Durek spoke on Martha’s Heartsmash podcast about why Norway is so special to him: “I love Norway so much. I love the architecture and I have Norwegian friends that I love with all my heart.”

“I’m so happy that my friends are coming from all over the world, not only to experience our love, but also to get to know Norway. That they experience what I experience when I’m here. Everyone is really excited. Many people have never been to Norway before.”

He said of his beautiful bride: “I wake up and the first thing I think about is how lucky I am to be with this wonderful woman. I always stare at her and tell her how beautiful she is, how smart she is and what a gift she is to life.”

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