Norway's Crown Prince Haakon Scales Back Schedule to Care for Critically Ill Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is scaling back his official agenda to provide care for his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, whose health has deteriorated significantly due to a severe lung condition. The Royal Palace confirmed the Prince will adapt his commitments to spend more time with the 52-year-old Princess, whose situation is considered "critical" by her physicians.

Mette-Marit has been battling a rare and progressive form of pulmonary fibrosis since 2018. This incurable disease causes lung tissue to harden and scar, progressively impairing her ability to breathe and oxygenate her body. Recent clinical assessments show a substantial decline in her respiratory capacity.

"The scarring in her lungs has increased significantly over the past year, and tests show a notable worsening in the last three months. This is dangerous," stated her treating physician, pulmonologist Are Holm, following a recent evaluation at Oslo National Hospital. The worsening condition has led to Mette-Marit being placed on a lung transplant waiting list, a last-resort procedure for patients with severe prognoses.

Holm explained that such transplants are considered when life expectancy without intervention is reduced to one or two years, provided the patient is fit enough for surgery. Her inclusion on the list in early June underscored the severity of her state. In response, Haakon has already canceled several official engagements, including a weekly Council of Ministers meeting, and returned early from a trip to Japan to be with his wife during medical consultations.

The royal family is also reorganizing internally. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, second in line to the throne, has interrupted her social sciences studies at the University of Sydney and returned to Norway to be with her mother. "She wants to be with her," Crown Prince Haakon said, referring to the Princess's decision during this delicate time.