Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrates 53rd birthday with family portrait

The Norwegian Royal House released an official family portrait to mark Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s 53rd birthday on August 19. The photograph features the Crown Princess alongside Crown Prince Haakon and their children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Notably, the image was taken earlier this year in April and does not include Mette-Marit’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, who is currently facing legal issues.

The birthday follows a challenging period for the royal family. Mette-Marit is currently recovering from a lung transplant performed in June to treat chronic pulmonary fibrosis. While she has begun to make limited public appearances, such as visiting King Harald V in the hospital, she continues to focus on her rehabilitation.

Simultaneously, King Harald V, 89, is receiving treatment at Oslo National Hospital for hemolytic anemia. Due to the King’s hospitalization, Crown Prince Haakon has been acting as regent. The royal family has opted for a private celebration for the Crown Princess's birthday to allow her continued recovery.