Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway recently made a surprising appearance at the start of the Belgian state visit, despite ongoing health challenges related to her chronic pulmonary fibrosis. The 52-year-old royal joined her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, along with other members of the Norwegian royal family, to welcome King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Royal Palace in Oslo on March 24, 2026. This event marked her first official outing in nearly two months, a decision that caught many off guard given previous palace communications regarding her health.
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Mette-Marit’s attendance at the state visit was unexpected as palace officials had indicated that her condition was deteriorating and she would not participate in this royal engagement. Guri Varpe, the palace’s head of communications, explained that the Crown Princess required significant rest and adaptation of her royal duties to accommodate her worsening health. Previously, it had been communicated that she might be considered for a lung transplant due to her ongoing health struggles.
The Crown Princess had recently spoken candidly about her past association with the late Jeffrey Epstein during an emotional interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK. In the interview, she expressed deep regret over their relationship, which was brought back into the limelight following the release of files by the U.S. Department of Justice that highlighted her friendship with Epstein. Mette-Marit was visibly emotional as she acknowledged how her oversight in checking Epstein’s background had led to regret and personal conflict.
In her discussion, Mette-Marit also expressed her feelings of anger and guilt concerning the victims of Epstein’s actions, stating that it was painful for her to think that she may have inadvertently contributed to his legitimacy in society. The Crown Princess revealed that her connection with Epstein lasted from 2011 to 2014, years after he had served time in prison for soliciting prostitution. She lamented her visits to his home in Palm Beach, where she stayed with a mutual friend, which she viewed with regret in hindsight.
Following Epstein’s death in 2019, Mette-Marit denounced their relationship publicly, and in a statement released earlier this year she expressed her sincere apologies to anyone who felt let down by her friendship with him. She underscored her remorse for the negative attention that her prior ties to Epstein had brought upon the royal family, specifically mentioning the impact on King Harald and Queen Sonja.
In addition to navigating her health issues and past controversies, Mette-Marit is also facing familial turmoil, as her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is presently embroiled in a high-profile legal battle involving serious charges, including rape, which he has pleaded not guilty to. The ongoing trial, which began on February 3 and concluded on March 19, has added strain to the Crown Princess’s already challenging circumstances. As a dedicated mother, she expressed her focus on family during this trying period, reiterating the emotional burden that has accompanied the legal proceedings.
Mette-Marit’s public appearances have been limited in recent months, and it remains uncertain how her health will evolve in the weeks to come. Prior to her recent engagement, her last official event was a visit to a library in Fredrikstad with Crown Prince Haakon on January 28, highlighting how her condition has forced a significant pause in her royal responsibilities.
The Belgian state visit, which celebrated the cordial relations between Norway and Belgium, included several events, such as a wreath-laying ceremony and a gala dinner. However, given her health constraints, the Crown Princess is not expected to engage in the full range of activities planned throughout the visit. Her presence at the initial welcome is a testament to her commitment to duty, despite the personal hurdles she currently faces.
As she continues to navigate her health issues, Mette-Marit’s recent statements about her past, her son’s ongoing legal troubles, and her involvement in significant royal events reflect the complexity of her role as a modern royal in an increasingly scrutinising public arena. Her journey highlights the balancing act faced by many in the public eye, particularly when personal challenges intersect with royal obligations.