Norwegian Crown Prince Shortens Japan Trip Due to Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Health

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will shorten his official visit to Japan in early June by one day due to the health condition of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. The Norwegian Royal House announced on Friday that the Crown Prince will proceed with his entire official program in Tokyo from June 1-3, but the planned visit to the port city of Hachinohe on June 4 has been canceled.

Mette-Marit has been experiencing a decline in her health, attributed to the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2018. In a December interview, the Crown Princess revealed that the disease's progression has been faster than anticipated. Doctors are now preparing her for a potential lung transplant, a prospect she described as "quite demanding" due to the significant risks involved.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare condition that causes scarring in the lungs, making them stiff and impairing their ability to oxygenate the blood. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and exhaustion. The disease is chronic and incurable. In April, Mette-Marit was seen using a nasal cannula connected to an oxygen machine, a visible sign of her deteriorating health. Her condition has previously led her to reduce her official duties and miss events, including a state visit from Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.