Prince Haakon of Norway has issued a concerning update about his wife’s chronic lung condition.
The prince was questioned about Princess Mette-Marit as he visited the University of Oslo on Tuesday.
Speaking to local broadcaster NRK, the future king of Norway revealed his wife’s condition has worsened.
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“The Crown Princess is seriously ill and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately,” Prince Haakon said.
“So I am worried about her health.
“She uses oxygen in her everyday life and it helps a little but it is not a perfect solution.”
Princess Mette-Marit of Norway attended the Norwegian Constitution Day in May wearing a nasal canula to help support her breathing. Credit: Getty
In 2018, Princess Mette-Marit confirmed she had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring and shortness of breath.
There is no cure for the progressive disease and the royal palace has since announced the future queen is preparing for the possibility of a lung transplant.
“And these six months have gone pretty well, I think,” Prince Haakon said.
“But there are different phases, so we just have to try to solve it as best we can.”
In April, Mette-Marit attended a royal reception with a nasal canula, a device that delivers oxygen support to help breathing.
The princess hosted the event for the athletes who had competed for Norway at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
She attended alongside her husband and their children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
The Norway royal family: Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Mette-Marit. Credit: AP
Ingrid flew home for the event, but the princess is currently based in Australia while attending the University of Sydney.
Mette-Marit made the scheduled appearance wearing a nasal cannula for the first time. An aide walked behind her as she arrived, carrying what appeared to be an oxygen machine.
At the time, Haakon said Princess Mette-Marit found it “difficult to go out”.
During his appearance on Tuesday, Haakon was asked whether his wife had now been placed on the transplant list.
“It’s up to the doctors. It’s a medical question, so they’re the ones who decide when it should happen, when it’s right,” Haakon said.
“But I think she’s gotten a lot worse lately, unfortunately.”
Marius Borg Høiby is awaiting the verdict in a criminal trial. Credit: AP
While managing her deteriorating health, Princess Mette-Marit is also dealing with her son’s court case.
Marius Borg Høiby, her son from a previous relationship, is awaiting the verdict in a criminal trial and could face up to seven years in prison if convicted of charges of rape and assault.
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