**Queen Mette-Marit of Norway Misses Swearing-in Ceremony Amid Health Concerns**
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In a poignant turn of events, Queen Mette-Marit of Norway was unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony of her husband, King Haakon VIII, due to health complications following her recent lung transplant. The ceremony marked a significant moment in Norway’s royal history and took place on September 1 at the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament.
Only hours before the ceremony, it was announced that the Queen, aged 53, would not be attending as planned. This revelation came from a pulmonologist at the National Hospital in Oslo, where Mette-Marit had been admitted for observation. The doctor outlined that complications post-transplant were not uncommon, and the Queen needed to remain under medical supervision throughout the day.
King Haakon, who ascended to the throne after the passing of his father, King Harald, on August 31 at the age of 89, attended the ceremony without his wife. He was later photographed arriving at the hospital to pick her up after the ceremony concluded. Reports indicated that he initially left alone but returned to take Mette-Marit home later that evening.
The Queen’s absence from the ceremony was met with concern, especially given that she had also missed a memorial service for her late father-in-law shortly before. Mette-Marit has been managing chronic pulmonary fibrosis since 2018, a condition that necessitated her wearing supplemental oxygen during public engagements prior to her surgery.
Since undergoing the lung transplant in June, her health has seen ups and downs. Just weeks before the surgery, the then Crown Princess’s condition reportedly deteriorated, prompting her placement on the transplant list.
A few days prior to the ceremony, Queen Mette-Marit had participated in a royal procession held in honour of King Harald. This event saw members of the royal family escorting the late King’s coffin from the Royal Palace to the Palace Chapel, where it will remain until the funeral service scheduled for September 9.
During this memorial, Mette-Marit accompanied her mother-in-law, Queen Sonja, while King Haakon and their daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, led the procession. Also in attendance was Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, who has recently faced legal troubles. His presence drew raised eyebrows due to his current house arrest stemming from serious criminal convictions.
Mette-Marit’s past associations have also drawn attention in recent months, particularly concerning her friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. With court documents revealing extensive correspondence between them post-Epstein’s conviction, the Queen has been under scrutiny, although she has publicly expressed regret over her past connections, stating that she felt “manipulated and deceived.”
Despite these controversies and health setbacks, Mette-Marit remains a deeply regarded figure in the Norwegian royal family. Her unwavering support for her husband during this transitional period exemplifies her commitment to her royal duties.
Observers note that the royal family continues to navigate these challenging times while also looking ahead to the future with hope. The swearing-in ceremony for King Haakon VIII signifies a new beginning for the monarchy, and the Queen’s eventual return to public life following her recovery is keenly anticipated by the Norwegian people.