The Norwegian royal family has found a moment of celebration amid recent challenges, as they proudly watched their national soccer team triumph in the World Cup. The recent victory, which saw Norway defeat Brazil 2-1, marked a historic occasion with their first advancement to the Round of 16 in World Cup history. This joyous event was particularly poignant given the family’s ongoing health concerns and personal troubles in the past year.
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Crown Princess Mette-Marit made her first public appearance in a shared photograph since her lung transplant, which she underwent in June 2025. On July 6, the Norwegian Royal House released an Instagram post showcasing the family cheering on the men’s national team from various locations. King Harald and Queen Sonja, both 89, watched the match from their holiday residence at Mågerø, while Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon followed the action from the Royal Palace in Oslo.
The photograph documented the family’s enthusiasm for the game, with the caption stating, “The whole family watched with excitement! Congratulations to the national team, the support system and Norway with the fantastic achievement!” Despite her recent health struggles, Mette-Marit’s presence and joy were celebrated in the post, highlighting a moment of unity for the family.
In an impressive show of support, the couple’s two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, attended the match in person in New Jersey. Their presence underscored the royal family’s connection to the event and the excitement surrounding the Norwegian team’s historic progression. After the match, Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus visited the players’ locker room, celebrating with the team and sharing hugs with star striker Erling Haaland.
This recent success comes during a particularly difficult time for the royal family, who have faced numerous health challenges. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has battled chronic pulmonary fibrosis since 2018, a condition that has required her to wear an oxygen tube during public appearances. In addition, both King Harald and Queen Sonja have recently dealt with severe health issues. Queen Sonja was hospitalized in May for heart complications, while King Harald has undergone several surgeries and hospitalisations over the past few years for various health conditions.
The royal family has also navigated significant personal challenges. Crown Princess Mette-Marit recently issued a statement regarding her past connection with Jeffrey Epstein, emphasising her regret over not having investigated his background more thoroughly. Her comments reveal a commitment to acknowledging mistakes while expressing sympathy for the victims of Epstein’s crimes.
In a separate but related situation, Crown Prince Haakon addressed the sentencing of Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship. Høiby received a four-year prison sentence on multiple counts including rape. The Crown Prince expressed his thoughts for those affected by the case and reiterated the importance of a justice system that upholds law and order.
Despite these personal and familial challenges, Norway’s World Cup victory provided a much-needed respite. The excitement of the match brought a sense of pride to the royal family and the nation as a whole. The Norwegian team’s achievement prompted widespread celebration and encouraged a spirit of solidarity among fans, further highlighting the role of sports in unifying communities.
As the royal family navigates both personal trials and public roles, the World Cup victory stands as a reminder of joy and hope. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess’s visible support for the national team reinforces a message of resilience and unity, a sentiment that resonates strongly in light of the various challenges the family has faced over the past year. The royal family’s support for the athletes mirrors the affection and loyalty of the Norwegian people, who continue to rally behind their teams during historic sporting moments.