Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has recently faced significant challenges related to her health that have led to a pause in her royal engagements. Since January 28, she has not participated in any public duties, marking a period of rest and adjustment in her schedule as advised by medical professionals. The Royal House of Norway has provided updates regarding her health condition, which has reportedly deteriorated due to chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a long-term lung condition that can severely affect respiratory function.
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The 52-year-old Crown Princess, who was diagnosed with this illness in 2018, requires tailored care and supportive treatments. In a statement released to Norwegian media, palace communications manager Guri Varpe confirmed that there has been a notable decline in Mette-Marit’s health, prompting preparations for a possible lung transplant evaluation. “The Crown Princess has an increasing need for tailored training, rest and recovery,” Varpe commented, highlighting the adjustments made to her official schedule in order to manage her condition effectively.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s last official engagement was a visit to the Fredrikstad Library on January 28, where she commemorated its 100th anniversary alongside Crown Prince Haakon. Despite previous public appearances, she has since prioritised her health, as indicated by her lack of scheduled engagements for the following weeks. Norwegian outlet TV2 inquired whether this absence from duties implied a sick leave, reflecting growing concern for the Crown Princess’s well-being.
The Palace had previously announced in December that Mette-Marit’s health was declining, and tests conducted at Rikshospitalet University Hospital had indicated a worsening of her condition. During the autumn of 2025, medical professionals began steps towards assessing her candidacy for lung transplant surgery. This clear deterioration has understandably led to public interest in her health and what it means for the future of her royal duties.
Parallel to this health crisis, the royal family is also navigating a challenging legal situation involving Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby. The 29-year-old is facing trial on multiple charges, including serious allegations of rape. Scheduled to proceed until mid-March, the high-profile trial has further complicated the family’s public narrative. Although the Crown Princess and Crown Prince Haakon have chosen not to be present in court, the situation is undoubtedly demanding for them during a period that is already taxing due to Mette-Marit’s health issues.
In late January, the Crown Princess was named multiple times in newly released files concerning the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The files, unveiled by the U.S. Department of Justice, spotlighted her past friendship with Epstein, which has generated considerable media attention in Norway. Following the revelations, Mette-Marit released a public apology, expressing her regrets regarding her association with Epstein and disavowing his criminal actions.
“I would like to express my deepest regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein,” she stated in her message. This public acknowledgment of her regret seemed aimed at restoring her reputation and clarifying her stance against the heinous crimes Epstein committed. The Royal House also issued a supportive statement reiterating that the Crown Princess has been unaware of the true nature of Epstein’s character during their acquaintance.
As developments in both her health and familial circumstances unfold, there is a palpable sense of concern for the Crown Princess within Norway. Her health struggles, coupled with the ongoing court case involving her son, place an enormous burden on her and the royal family as they seek to navigate these complex issues while maintaining their public duties.
In light of these challenges, it is evident that Crown Princess Mette-Marit requires time to recover and gather her strength away from the confines of royal obligations. As updates on her health and family matters continue to emerge, the Norwegian public watches with both support and concern for the Crown Princess and her family during this difficult chapter.