Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway faces a deterioration in her health due to pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and degenerative disease diagnosed in 2018. According to the latest statement from the Norwegian Royal House, the ailment has progressed, affecting her daily routine and her ability to fulfill official commitments.
Since the diagnosis, the princess has been forced to reduce her schedule on several occasions. In October of last year, doctors recommended resuming her treatment, forcing her to temporarily step back from her responsibilities. Although she managed to return, five months later it was confirmed that her condition had worsened.
La princesa Mette-Marit de Noruega.
"The progression of the disease has caused rapid changes in her day-to-day, so her official schedule might be modified at short notice," reported the Royal House. As a result, Mette-Marit has reduced her participation in public events, although she remains committed to her work.
Despite the difficulties, the princess maintains her desire to continue working. A day before the official statement, she visited Ullevål Hospital, where she learned about the work of an organization dedicated to supporting children and young people in Norway.
Implications for the future of the Norwegian monarchy
Mette-Marit's health condition generates uncertainty about her future as queen consortwhenPrince Haakon ascends to the throne. Pulmonary fibrosis is a degenerative disease, which raises doubts about her ability to assume that role in the long term.
In a 2020 interview, the princess revealed how her diagnosis transformed her life. "For the first time since I got married, my life doesn't attract as much attention. It's wonderful," she stated, acknowledging that the disease allowed her to adopt a slower pace.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian monarchy faces other challenges. The behavior of Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's eldest son, has caused an unprecedented institutional crisis, affecting the public image of the royal family.
The scandal of Marius Borg Høiby and its impact on the royal family
Marius Borg Høiby, 27 years old, was involved in multiple controversies that negatively impacted the reputation of the Royal House. In August 2024, he was arrested in Oslo for assaulting his partner and causing damage to their home. This episode was not isolated, as several ex-partners reported him for violence and mistreatment.
Marius Borg Høiby, el hijo de la princesa Mette-Marit.
Additionally, reports of his alleged drug use were leaked, further aggravating the situation. Shortly after his arrest, a photograph from months earlier went viral, showing Marius at a party with a gun in one hand, a bottle of champagne in the other, and wads of cash at his waist. The image caused outrage, as it contrasted with the discretion expected of a member of the royalty.
The repercussions for the royal family were significant. The police conducted operations at the official residence of the crown princes, an event considered humiliating for the monarchy.
Prince Haakon expressed his concern about the situation and stated that Justice should handle the matter. The public perception of the Royal House was affected, with 45% of Norwegians expressing a more negative view of the institution.
The most affected was Mette-Marit, whose popularity dropped drastically, while her daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, has maintained a positive image.
Amid this crisis, the crown princess admitted that 2024 was "a very tough year" for her family, adding another challenge to the health issues she faces.
