Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has made headlines after attending a royal engagement while wearing a nasal cannula for the first time, marking a significant moment in her ongoing battle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis. The event took place on 10 April 2026, where she hosted a reception at the Palace honouring Norwegian athletes who participated in the 2026 Winter Paralympics held in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Mette-Marit, aged 52, arrived at the reception with her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. The Crown Princess’s use of the nasal cannula, a device designed to provide supplementary oxygen to enhance breathing, served as a reminder of her health challenges. An aide closely followed her, carrying what appeared to be an oxygen machine, highlighting the support she requires during such public appearances.
The Crown Princess has faced serious health issues since her diagnosis of chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue and increasingly hampers her ability to breathe. A statement from the Royal House of Norway released in December 2025 revealed that her condition had worsened, raising concerns about her potential need for a lung transplant.
Despite her struggles, Mette-Marit has made a commendable effort to fulfil her royal duties, although these have been notably limited in recent months. After taking a month off for pulmonary rehabilitation in October 2025, the Crown Princess returned to public life but was again sidelined when her health further deteriorated in early 2026. In mid-March, a spokesperson from the Palace noted that her participation in several upcoming royal events, including a Belgian state visit from 24 to 26 March, was not anticipated.
Unexpectedly, Mette-Marit made a surprise appearance during the initial events of the Belgian visit, joining Crown Prince Haakon and her in-laws, King Harald and Queen Sonja, in welcoming the foreign royals. Her appearance was particularly poignant given the recent revelations surrounding her past friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein. In a recent interview with NRK, Mette-Marit expressed regret over the relationship and acknowledged the emotional toll it had taken on her family, particularly in light of her son Marius Borg Høiby’s ongoing legal troubles.
Marius, who is Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, has been facing significant legal challenges with 38 charges, including four counts of rape. He has pleaded not guilty to these allegations, which have undoubtedly added to the pressures on the Crown Princess. In her remarks, she highlighted the intense strain her family has been under and reiterated her need to focus on healing and rest amidst these difficulties.
During her interview with NRK, conducted for a brief 20 minutes due to her health condition, Crown Prince Haakon sat by her side, providing moral support. Mette-Marit spoke candidly about the burdens her family is experiencing, indicating that their current focus has been on maintaining unity and support for one another during this trying time.
Mette-Marit’s appearance at the reception for Paralympic athletes underscores her commitment to public duty, even as she navigates personal health challenges and family crises. Her poise and determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her resilience and the strength of the Norwegian royal family.
As she continues to manage her health alongside her royal responsibilities, Crown Princess Mette-Marit remains an influential figure in Norway, embodying both grace and dignity despite her struggles. The public and royal observers alike express hope for her continued strength as she focuses on what matters most: her family and wellbeing.