Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit ill, Prince Haakon truncates Japan state visit

Crown Princess Mette‑Marit of Norway, 52, has experienced a marked worsening of her chronic pulmonary fibrosis. The royal family confirmed that her condition has become serious enough to require daily supplemental oxygen and that a lung‑transplant may be considered.

Because of her health, Crown Prince Haakon, who was on an official visit to Japan, announced that he would cut the trip short, departing on June 3 instead of the planned June 4. He said publicly that “Mette is seriously ill” and that his priority is to be with her in Norway. The scheduled stop in Hachinohe was cancelled.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the couple’s 22‑year‑old daughter who is studying in Sydney, Australia, will return to Norway temporarily to be with her mother, though she plans to resume her studies later. The royal household has also faced recent health issues for King Harald and Queen Sonja, adding to the family's public scrutiny.

The Japan visit had included meetings on maritime cooperation, defence, digitalisation and seafood trade, underscoring the diplomatic and economic significance of the shortened itinerary.