Crown Prince Haakon of Norway cuts short Japan visit as wife Mette-Marit’s health declines

Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon was on an official state visit to Japan scheduled from 1 to 4 June. The royal household announced that the itinerary will be reduced by one day: he will remain in Tokyo for the first three days and the planned stop in the port city of Hachinohe on 4 June has been cancelled. The change follows the worsening condition of his wife, Princess Mette‑Marit, who suffers from chronic pulmonary fibrosis. Haakon told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that his wife is “gravely ill” and that he is deeply concerned for her health, prompting his early return to Oslo. Adjusting a diplomatic mission of this kind is described as a rare move for the Norwegian monarchy.