Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has made the decision to cut his official trip to Japan short in light of his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s, deteriorating health. The announcement comes at a difficult time for the royal family, as Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has been living with chronic pulmonary fibrosis since her diagnosis in 2018, has been described by the Crown Prince as “seriously ill.”
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During a press conference held in Japan, Crown Prince Haakon confirmed that their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is preparing to leave her studies in Australia to return home and support her mother. The 22-year-old princess is currently pursuing a degree in international relations and political economy at the University of Sydney. In remarks translated by Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the Crown Prince stated that the situation surrounding the family prompted Ingrid’s decision to come home, although it remains uncertain how long she will stay in Norway before returning to her studies.
The royal family has been grappling with health challenges as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s condition continues to change. As recently as March, the Royal House of Norway informed the public that the Crown Princess’s health had deteriorated. In his recent update, Crown Prince Haakon expressed concern about her condition, highlighting that it has worsened in recent times. “The Crown Princess is seriously ill, and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately,” he said, revealing the family’s worries during these trying times.
The Crown Princess has been seen in public appearances recently using a nasal cannula for supplemental oxygen, a sign of her ongoing struggles with her respiratory condition. When questioned about the potential for her to be placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant, Crown Prince Haakon deferred to medical professionals, emphasising that the decision rests with Mette-Marit’s doctors regarding the next steps in her treatment.
This is not the only health concern facing the Norwegian royal family. Just days prior to the Crown Prince’s announcement about the Crown Princess, Queen Sonja was admitted to the hospital due to complications including atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The palace released a statement confirming that the 88-year-old Queen would take a week of sick leave to adjust her medications and gather strength. Queen Sonja, who recently had a pacemaker fitted in January, has also been under close medical scrutiny.
King Harald, 89, has not been immune to health issues either, experiencing a series of hospital visits that include surgery for a leg operation in 2022 and treatment for COVID-19 over the past two years. His most recent health scare occurred in February, when he was hospitalised for infection and dehydration during a family holiday in Tenerife.
The impact of these health challenges on the royal family has been profound, with Crown Prince Haakon balancing his duties and family responsibilities during this difficult time. The decision to shorten his trip underscores the importance of familial support as they navigate these challenges together.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s return to Norway signifies the close-knit nature of the royal family, illustrating the importance of being present for one another in moments of need. While she is committed to her studies abroad, it is clear that her family’s well-being remains her top priority.
As Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid Alexandra prepare to support Crown Princess Mette-Marit during this critical time, the royal family invites public sentiments of goodwill and strength in facing their struggles. The Norwegian public and royal watchers alike will be hoping for improvement in the health of both Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Queen Sonja, as the royal family navigates these testing circumstances.