The public reappearance of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway not only marked her return to official duties but also highlighted the progression of her chronic illness.
After several months away from the public eye, the future queen attended a reception at the Royal Palace in Oslo with her family, where one detail stood out. For the first time, she was seen using a nasal cannula connected to a portable oxygen system.
The event, held in honor of Winter Paralympic athletes, brought together Crown Prince Haakon, their children Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who traveled from her studies in Australia. Although Mette-Marit appeared smiling and in good spirits, the medical device made visible the impact of the pulmonary fibrosis she suffers from.
This development in her condition had already been anticipated months earlier. In December 2025, the Royal House confirmed that her health had worsened, stating that her medical team was beginning preparations to assess her eligibility for a possible lung transplant.
© NTBMedical officials noted at the time, “We are approaching the time when a lung transplant must be carried out, and we are making the necessary preparations so that it will be possible when the time comes,” Are Martin Holm, head of pulmonary medicine at Oslo University Hospital, said in a statement from the palace.
Her illness, first made public in 2018, has gradually shaped her daily life. At the time, the princess herself explained, “The condition means that my working capacity will vary. The Crown Prince and I are choosing to make this public now partly because in future there will be a need to plan periods of time without an official programme to accommodate treatment and when the disease is more active.”
© NTBShe also added, “Even if such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I am glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible.”
Over time, these limitations have become increasingly evident. In March 2025, the palace already noted that she was experiencing daily symptoms that directly affected her ability to perform her duties. Despite this, she continued to express a desire to remain active whenever possible.
© NTBIn recent days, Crown Prince Haakon offered a more personal insight into her condition. During an official visit, he acknowledged the challenges of everyday life. “She is ill, and that’s now part of our daily life. So, it’s difficult to go out, but it’s going well, and she manages even if I’m away for a day or more,” Haakon said.
It was also said that her breathing has become more difficult, which makes daily activities more challenging and limits her public appearances to controlled environments and short engagements.
© NTBThis situation coincides with a particularly difficult period for the Norwegian royal family. King Harald, 89, was hospitalized after an infection during a stay in Tenerife. At the same time, the princess has faced media pressure linked to the publication of emails related to Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship that was reportedly closer than previously acknowledged, for which she publicly apologized in March 2026.
Adding to the strain, her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, has been involved in a major legal case. His trial, in which he was accused of up to 40 offenses, concluded in March, with a verdict expected in June, increasing public scrutiny on the family.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAgainst this backdrop, family dynamics are also shifting. With Mette-Marit reducing her official duties and Princess Ingrid Alexandra focusing on her studies in Australia, Crown Prince Haakon has increasingly relied on his son, Prince Sverre Magnus, who has begun accompanying him at various engagements.
Although he has no formal role within the institution, his growing presence reflects the family’s gradual adaptation to current challenges. Amid health struggles, media pressure, and internal changes, the Norwegian royal household is going through a complex period in which every public appearance carries added significance.
Read the full article here
