The Royal House of Norway has had its fill of controversy over the past year. Family members have been plagued by various issues, including Princess Mette-Marit and her health, resulting in her undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation and having to pause her duties for the time being. Her husband, Prince Haakon, recently addressed his family and her health while on a trip in the US, where he's celebrating the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration.
The Prince and Mette-Marit were scheduled to visit different parts of the US, including the states of Iowa, Minnesota, and New York. The Princess' health caused a last minute change of plans, with Prince Haakon traveling alone. In an interview with VG, the Prince was asked about the controversies plaguing his family. "It's going well," he said.
When asked about the health of his wife, Haakon provided a more elaborate answer without sharing too many details.
"It's always better to travel together," he said. "But I think it's great that I'm here anyway. I'm happy that she can be in rehabilitation right now, treating her lungs."
Princess Mette-Marit has taken a step back from her royal duties for October, with key exceptions, including a royal dinner offered to the members of the Norwegian parliament, scheduled to take place on October 23rd. Throughout this time, the Princess will be traveling between her house and the hospital where she's receiving an intense pulmonary rehabilitation treatment with the hope of strengthening her lungs and learn how to live with less oxygen.
The Princess' difficult moment
The princess was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that progressively worsens over time, and must be treated to improve the patient's quality of life. "I should have done this a while ago, but now is the time. So I'll do it," said Mette-Marit per HOLA!.
"I need a little more help before I can fully face daily life with pulmonary fibrosis. I think I need to know other people who are struggling with the same illness and developing more control over how to manage my life with this chronic disease."
Making matters all the more complicated is the criminal trial involving the princess' son, Marius Borg, who was accused of 32 different crimes, including four counts of rape. The trial is scheduled to begin next year, with Borg possibly facing up to 10 years in prison if he's found guilty of the most serious charges.