The Norwegian royal family has been navigating a challenging period, particularly surrounding the health issues of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. On March 24, 2026, King Harald of Norway acknowledged her absence from a significant state banquet in Belgium, referring to her affectionately as “our dear Crown Princess” during his speech.
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Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, who has been married to Crown Prince Haakon since 2001, has been dealing with deteriorating health since her diagnosis of chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The condition, characterised by the scarring of lung tissue, has made normal respiratory function increasingly difficult for her. As such, her recent absence from royal duties has generated concern among the public and royal watchers alike.
The Belgian state visit, attended by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, prompted King Harald to clarify why Mette-Marit was not present. He remarked, “I know that our dear Crown Princess would have wished to be with us tonight. Unfortunately, she is unable to attend due to her health situation.” This statement came as part of an address at the banquet held in Oslo, which underscored Mette-Marit’s longstanding role in royal engagements and the significance of her absence.
In December 2025, the palace announced that she was undergoing evaluation for a potential lung transplant due to a marked deterioration in her health. Just prior to the state visit, a palace spokesperson confirmed that Crown Princess Mette-Marit would be absent from the festivities, emphasising the seriousness of her condition. Reports indicated that she had taken a step back from royal duties since her last major engagement in late January, underscoring the continuing impact of her illness.
Despite the concerns, Crown Princess Mette-Marit made a surprise appearance during the state visit’s opening ceremony on March 24. Accompanied by her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, as well as King Harald and Queen Sonja, her presence was warmly received, marking her first official royal event in almost two months. However, she did not attend the diplomatic dinner that evening, where members of the royal family donned ceremonial tiaras.
The challenges facing Mette-Marit this year have been amplified by external pressures. She has faced scrutiny owing to her past association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose ties to several high-profile individuals have drawn extensive media attention. A recent disclosure from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that her name appeared over 1,000 times across documents relating to Epstein, raising uncomfortable questions regarding her past interactions with him.
Mette-Marit publicly disavowed her relationship with Epstein in 2019, following his death while awaiting trial. However, the recent documentation has rekindled public interest and criticism. In early February, the Crown Princess issued a statement expressing her regret over her former association and described a shift in focus towards supporting the victims of Epstein’s actions.
Additionally, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, has faced significant legal challenges, having been tried for several serious charges, including rape. Mette-Marit has expressed that this situation has exerted considerable stress on her family. In a rare interview with NRK, she spoke emotionally about the toll these events have taken on her, highlighting the family’s focus on supporting one another during difficult times.
“Being a mother in this situation is very demanding,” she revealed. As Marius awaits a verdict following his trial’s conclusion on March 19, Mette-Marit has reiterated the importance of family solidarity in light of the public scrutiny they face.
The combination of health struggles and familial pressures has made this a particularly tumultuous year for Crown Princess Mette-Marit. As she continues to prioritise her health, the Norwegian royal family stands united in support, navigating both personal challenges and public perceptions. The affection voiced by King Harald in his address stands as a testament to their commitment to one another during this difficult chapter in their lives.