Norway's Crown Prince Haakon adjusts royal duties as wife Mette-Marit faces worsening lung disease

Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon (52) has cancelled a scheduled meeting with the government and other royal engagements, including a football match and attendance at the Swedish royal couple’s golden wedding, to spend time with his wife Crown Princess Mette‑Marit (52). Mette‑Marit is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive, incurable lung disease that has recently deteriorated, placing her on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

The royal household said Haakon will adapt his program “to spend more time with the Crown Princess” during this critical period. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra (22), has returned from her studies in Sydney to Oslo, and son Prince Sverre Magnus (20) remains abroad but may adjust his plans if needed. Haakon expressed his concern publicly, saying, “I wish she could be here,” underscoring the personal impact of the illness on the Norwegian monarchy.

These adjustments affect the family’s planned silver‑wedding celebration in August and other upcoming events, highlighting the serious health situation facing the Crown Princess.