The Norwegian Royal Family have been forced to make significant adjustments to their official engagements as Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health continues to decline. The 52-year-old royal has been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease with no known cure, and her condition has deteriorated markedly in recent weeks.
Crown Prince Haakon Shortens Japan Visit
Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, has cut short his official visit to Japan by one day due to his wife's worsening health. A statement from the palace confirmed: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is shortening his official trip to Japan by one day due to the health situation of Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess." The prince was originally scheduled to be hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, including a state dinner in Tokyo. However, his planned visit to Hachinohe has been cancelled.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra Returns from Australia
Meanwhile, the couple's daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is set to return home from her studies at the University of Sydney to be with her mother. Crown Prince Haakon told reporters: "She plans to come home soon. It has to do with the family situation. She wants to be with her mother." It remains unclear how long she will stay in Oslo, but her father noted that she intends to complete her studies in Australia eventually.
Crown Princess's Health Battle
Crown Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a condition that typically has a life expectancy of five to ten years after diagnosis. She has been using oxygen daily to assist with breathing, but the crown prince admitted this is not a satisfactory long-term solution. Speaking to local media, he said: "The Crown Princess is gravely ill, and I find that her condition has deteriorated significantly recently. So, I'm worried about her health. She uses oxygen daily, and that helps a bit, but it's obviously not an entirely satisfactory solution." At the end of 2025, doctors began considering the possibility of a lung transplant.
Additional Family Challenges
The royal family has faced further difficulties in recent months. Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, 29-year-old Marius Borg Høiby, has been charged with 32 counts, including alleged rape, abuse in a close relationship, death threats, and traffic violations. Additionally, the crown princess was named in the Epstein files, revealing a friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a March interview, she stated she was "manipulated and deceived" by the late financier and expressed regret over their association.
