Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has been making headlines recently due to her absence at a memorial church service for the late King Harald V, who passed away on August 31 at the age of 89. The service took place on August 30, drawing members of the royal family, including Queen Sonja, King Haakon, and Princess Märtha Louise. However, the new Queen’s absence was noted amid ongoing health concerns.
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The royal family gathered at Asker Church to honour the late King, who had been hospitalised for nearly two weeks due to a rare blood condition before his death. Mette-Marit, aged 53, missed the event as she is still recovering from a lung transplant she underwent in June. Following the procedure, the palace indicated that her participation in official events is currently limited, necessitating a period of rest.
Mette-Marit’s health has been a subject of public interest since she was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, an incurable lung condition. Her condition required the use of supplemental oxygen in public appearances prior to her surgery. The lung transplant, described as successful by medical professionals, took place at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, the same facility where King Harald received his treatment.
Despite her health challenges, Mette-Marit was seen visiting King Harald shortly before his death, illustrating her unwavering support for her family during difficult times. Notably, she has maintained a low profile after her surgery, focusing on recovery.
After her absence from the memorial service, Mette-Marit took part in the procession on August 31, which involved moving King Harald’s coffin through various rooms in the Royal Palace. The coffin was eventually placed in the Royal Chapel, where it is set to remain accessible to the public until the state funeral on September 9.
During the procession, Mette-Marit walked alongside Queen Sonja, following the coffin, accompanied by other key royal family members including King Haakon, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus. In a surprising turn, Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, also participated in the march. Høiby has recently faced legal issues, having been sentenced to house arrest after being convicted on multiple charges including rape.
In addition to her role in the funeral proceedings, Queen Mette-Marit is scheduled to attend a significant ceremony on September 1, where King Haakon will take his oath before the Storting, Norway’s supreme legislature. He will reaffirm his commitment to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and laws, marking a pivotal moment in his reign as King Haakon VIII.
It’s worth noting that after King Harald’s death, Norway will not be observing a traditional coronation for King Haakon, a practice that the country has not followed since 1906. Previous monarchs have taken part in simpler ceremonies, with the last coronation held for King Haakon VII and Queen Maud at Nidaros Cathedral.
Following in their footsteps, King Haakon’s ascension will focus on the formalities of the oath-taking process rather than a lavish ceremony. This has become a tradition upheld by successive generations of the royal family.
As Norway transitions into this new chapter of its monarchy, the role of Queen Mette-Marit appears critical not only in her ceremonial duties but also as a source of resilience amid personal health struggles. The upcoming state funeral for King Harald promises to draw significant public interest while honouring a monarch who served his country for nearly 60 years.