Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has announced a significant change to his travel plans due to concerns over the health of his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The adjustment comes amidst ongoing struggles for the princess, who has suffered from chronic pulmonary fibrosis since her diagnosis in 2018.
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The Royal House released a statement on 29 May, revealing that the Crown Prince would be shortening his trip to Japan, originally set to take place from 1 to 4 June. According to the official announcement, his schedule in Tokyo remains intact, but the visit to the port city of Hachinohe has been cancelled. This modification is explicitly linked to what the Crown Prince described as his wife’s “health situation.”
Crown Prince Haakon, aged 52, expressed his worry for Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is also 52, during an interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK. He stated, “The Crown Princess is seriously ill, and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately. So I am worried about her health.” His remarks have sparked concern among the public regarding the Crown Princess’s deteriorating condition.
Recent public appearances have seen the Crown Princess relying on oxygen, highlighting the seriousness of her health complications. Crown Prince Haakon remarked that while the past six months had been “pretty good,” he acknowledged that her illness is characterised by variable phases, urging the family to navigate the situation as best they can.
When questioned about the possibility of the Crown Princess being placed on a lung transplant list, Haakon noted that it was ultimately a decision for the medical professionals involved. “It’s a medical question. So they’re the ones who decide when it should happen, when it’s right,” he explained. The Crown Prince’s candid comments reveal the gravity of Mette-Marit’s situation and the family’s plight.
The couple, who married in 2001, share two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20. Additionally, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has a son, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, from a previous relationship. However, her health struggles are compounded by other family challenges. Marius is currently facing serious legal issues, with 38 charges of alleged sexual abuse and assault against him.
Adding to the princess’s stress is her name’s appearance in files released by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning Jeffrey Epstein. While Crown Princess Mette-Marit has not been accused of any wrongdoing, she spoke out against speculation regarding her past associations with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. She has firmly denied any involvement in his criminal activities during an emotionally charged interview with NRK.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit is not alone within her family regarding health matters. Queen Sonja, Haakon’s mother, experienced hospitalisation due to heart issues after cancelling several engagements. At 88, the Queen has been dealing with health difficulties but has since returned home after her treatment.
Furthermore, King Harald, 89, has a history of health complications, having undergone various medical procedures in recent years, including surgeries for leg issues and a pacemaker. Most recently, he was hospitalised for infection and dehydration while on holiday in February 2026.
The Norwegian royal family is currently facing significant challenges on multiple fronts, with both health and personal matters affecting their public and private lives. As Crown Prince Haakon adjusts his schedule to focus on his wife’s wellbeing, the hearts of the Norwegian people are undoubtedly with the royal couple during this difficult time.