Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has spoken about the declining health of his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, revealing that her condition has “gotten a lot worse lately.” Speaking to reporters at a public engagement in Oslo, the heir to the throne said he is increasingly concerned as the 52-year-old princess battles a serious, long-term illness.
“The Crown Princess is seriously ill, and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately,” Crown Prince Haakon said. “So I am worried about her health.”
His comments arrive amid growing attention on both the Princess’s condition and a wider period of strain within the Norwegian royal household.
© Per Ole HagenA chronic illness that has intensified cver time:
Crown Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable and progressive disease that causes scarring of the lungs and steadily worsens breathing capacity.
© Per Ole HagenOver time, her condition has advanced. The disease has led to significant fatigue and reduced physical stamina, with symptoms now affecting her daily life. She has also experienced a noticeable acceleration in the progression of the illness in recent years, something both she and medical teams have acknowledged publicly.
Treatment has become part of her everyday routine. She relies on oxygen therapy and has been seen using a nasal cannula during official appearances. According to the Crown Prince, this support helps but does not fully alleviate her difficulties. “She uses oxygen in her everyday life, and that helps a bit,” he noted.
© LISE ASERUDIn December, the Royal Palace disclosed that doctors were preparing to assess her for a possible lung transplant, describing it as a high-risk, last-resort option. The final decision, officials emphasized, rests entirely with medical specialists.
A gradual withdrawal from public duties:
As her illness has progressed, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has stepped back from a number of official engagements. While she continues to appear at selected royal events, her schedule has become more limited, and her participation is often adjusted based on her health on any given day.
© LISE ASERUDAt several recent public occasions, she has required assistance, including seating arrangements and medical support during appearances. On Norway’s Constitution Day, she was seen with oxygen equipment while attending celebrations alongside the royal family.
In a televised interview with NRK, she described how deeply the illness shapes her daily reality. “I live with a serious illness, and it is what characterises my everyday life now,” she said. “It is what determines whether I can even stand in my role or not.”
© Per Ole HagenShe also reflected on how the condition has progressed more quickly than expected, noting that both she and her doctors had hoped for a slower development.
Uncertainty around future treatment:
The possibility of a lung transplant remains under consideration, though timing and eligibility depend on medical assessments. Crown Prince Haakon has emphasized that the decision is not influenced by royal status.
© LISE ASERUD“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,” he said.
He also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his wife’s condition, describing it as a situation marked by changing phases rather than a predictable trajectory.
A royal household under pressures:
The Crown Princess’s health challenges come at a time when the Norwegian royal family is dealing with several overlapping difficulties.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesKing Harald, 89, continues to experience recurring health issues, while Queen Sonja, 88, has recently taken medical leave after being diagnosed with heart rhythm complications. The Queen has faced episodes of atrial fibrillation and has been temporarily unable to carry out parts of her official program.
These health concerns have reduced the presence of senior royals at public events and placed greater responsibility on Crown Prince Haakon.
© LISE ASERUDBeyond health concerns, the family has also faced heightened public attention due to controversies involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit's wider family circle.
Her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, has been involved in a high-profile legal case that has drawn significant media coverage.
Separately, the Princess recently gave an emotional public interview addressing her past association with Jeffrey Epstein, adding further scrutiny at a sensitive time.
© NTBDespite these pressures, the Crown Prince has continued to stress the importance of unity within the family and commitment to public duties where possible.
A royal partnership tested:
Crown Prince Haakon has repeatedly expressed both concern and resolve, describing the situation as one the couple is facing together after more than two decades of marriage.
© Rune Hellestad - Corbis“We have been together for over 25 years now,” he said. “And when you get married, it is for good and bad days.”
As the Princess continues to manage a progressive and incurable illness, Norway’s royal household now finds itself navigating a period defined by uncertainty, resilience, and carefully balanced public duty against private health realities.
