The health of Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has taken a significant turn for the worse in recent weeks, according to her husband, Crown Prince Haakon. The 52-year-old future queen has been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, since 2018.
Deteriorating Condition
Speaking candidly on Tuesday, Crown Prince Haakon expressed his concern: 'The Crown Princess is seriously ill, and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately. So I am worried about her health.' He noted that while the past six months had been relatively stable, the disease has entered a more challenging phase.
When asked about the possibility of a lung transplant, Prince Haakon deferred to medical experts: 'It's up to the doctors, it's a medical question. So they're the ones who decide when it should happen, when it's right. But I think she's gotten a lot worse lately, unfortunately.'
Public Appearance with Oxygen Support
Earlier this month, the Crown Princess made a rare public appearance at Norway's Constitution Day children's parade on May 17. She was seen wearing a nasal cannula to assist her breathing, marking one of the first times she has used oxygen support at a public event. Accompanied by her husband and their son, Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, the family watched the parade from their residence at Skaugum in Oslo.
Background of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable condition where lung tissue becomes scarred, leading to progressive breathing difficulties. When Mette-Marit first disclosed her diagnosis in 2018, she explained that the disease would cause her working capacity to vary, necessitating periods without official duties. In September, she announced a month-long pulmonary rehabilitation program. Her doctor, Professor Kristian Bjøro, stated that the disease progression had been slow over several years.
The specific variant of fibrosis affecting the Crown Princess is rare and, according to the Royal House, is not linked to environmental or lifestyle factors.
Additional Challenges for the Royal Family
The health crisis comes amid other significant pressures on the Norwegian monarchy. Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, has been charged with rape and sexual assault. He faces four counts of rape, four cases of sexual assault, and two cases of bodily harm, with a verdict expected on June 15.
Additionally, recently released emails have revealed the Crown Princess's close correspondence with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, whom she referred to as 'sweetheart.' The emails, sent between 2011 and 2014, surfaced as part of the Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice. Mette-Marit described the revelations as 'embarrassing' and indicative of 'poor judgement,' but they have added strain to the monarchy.
What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where the lungs become scarred, making breathing increasingly difficult. It typically affects people aged 70–75 and is rare under 50. While treatments can slow progression, there is no cure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, tiredness, loss of appetite, and clubbed fingers. Regular monitoring helps determine the rate of progression.
