Prince Haakon revealed that his wife is suffering from severe deterioration due to a chronic lung disease, uses portable oxygen daily, and is awaiting a possible complex intervention.
The Norwegian royal family is going through a particularly complicated time. In addition to the legal issues faced by the eldest son of Princess Mette-Marit and the recent heart problems of Queen Sonja, there is now serious concern about the health of the heir to the throne.
Prince Haakon himself decided to speak frankly about his wife's situation during an official appearance in Oslo at the Abel Prize 2026 ceremony. His words had a significant impact across Europe due to the starkness with which he described her medical condition.
“The Crown Princess is seriously ill,” Haakon acknowledged to the NRK network. He admitted that Mette-Marit’s condition has worsened in recent months and that he is very worried about the situation.
The princess, who has suffered from a chronic lung disease for years, has started to appear in public using a portable oxygen tank. This image caught the attention of both the local press and followers of European royalty.
The Daily Use of Respiratory Assistance
As the prince explained, the portable oxygen helps her cope better with breathing difficulties. “It helps her a little,” he noted, hinting at the delicate situation his wife is facing.
Currently, Mette-Marit is awaiting a medical intervention related to a possible lung transplant. Haakon clarified that the timing depends solely on the doctors' evaluations. “It is the doctors who will decide when it should be done and what the right moment is,” he said.
These statements reflect the concern within the Norwegian Crown, especially after the heir admitted that the princess's health “has worsened quite a bit” recently.
Despite the difficult moment, Mette-Marit has tried to fulfill some important institutional commitments. Her last public appearance was during the celebrations of Norway's National Day, where she again used respiratory assistance while alongside the rest of the family.
A Royal Family in Tension
The image of the princess alongside Prince Haakon, King Harald, Queen Sonja, and their son Sverre Magnus aimed to convey unity amid a very delicate context. However, shortly after, concern grew again when Queen Sonja was hospitalized due to heart problems and had to cancel part of her schedule.
This set of situations has made recent times one of the most challenging periods for the Norwegian monarchy in recent years. Mette-Marit’s health has become the center of attention, and Haakon's words highlighted the seriousness of the case.
The Norwegians and observers of European royalty are closely following the evolution of the Crown Princess's condition, awaiting updates on her treatment and possible intervention. Meanwhile, the royal family is trying to maintain institutional normalcy despite the personal complications they face.
The starkness of Prince Haakon's statements has generated a wave of solidarity and concern across the continent, highlighting the vulnerability that public figures also face in the face of serious health issues.
