The Royal House of Norway has confirmed that Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s chronic illness, pulmonary fibrosis, is progressing, making it increasingly difficult for her to fulfill her royal duties as planned.
Official Statement on Her Health
In an official statement, the palace revealed that the 51-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon is experiencing daily symptoms and ailments that significantly impact her ability to carry out public engagements.
“The Crown Princess needs more rest, and her daily routine is changing more rapidly than before,” the statement read. “As a result, her official schedule may be adjusted more frequently and on shorter notice than we are accustomed to.”
Despite these challenges, the Norwegian Royal House reaffirmed Mette-Marit’s commitment to continuing her work and emphasized that her schedule would be adapted to accommodate her health needs.
“The Crown Princess has a strong desire to continue working, and therefore we will arrange her official program in the best possible way so that her health and responsibilities can be balanced,” the statement concluded.
Mette-Marit’s Battle With Pulmonary Fibrosis
Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic lung disease that causes scarring and breathing difficulties. While she has continued to perform royal duties over the years, her condition requires careful medical management.
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from well-wishers in Norway and around the world, with many expressing admiration for her dedication to serving the public despite her illness.
A Royal Connection to the British Monarchy
The Norwegian and British royal families share close ties, both through history and direct family connections. King Harald V of Norway is a second cousin of King Charles III, with both monarchs descending from King George I of Greece and King Christian IX of Denmark.
This deep-rooted European royal lineage highlights the longstanding relationship between the two royal houses, which have maintained strong diplomatic and personal connections over generations.
As Princess Mette-Marit focuses on her health, the Royal House of Norway is expected to provide further updates on her condition and official engagements in the coming months.
