Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has been placed on sick leave due to a rare lung disease, as confirmed by palace officials. The princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, will be taking at least a week off from her royal duties to manage her chronic illness known as pulmonary fibrosis. This condition, which she revealed in October 2018, causes lung scarring and breathing difficulties and is both chronic and incurable.
In a statement on the palace’s website, it was mentioned that Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on sick leave due to side effects from the medication she takes for her lung disease. This is not the first time her royal engagements have been affected by her health, as she has had to either cancel or reduce them in the past. Despite the challenging nature of her illness, her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, stated in an official autobiography that the illness is not deteriorating rapidly, with good days interspersed with the uncertainty of potential cancellations.
The Norwegian royal family has been in the spotlight recently due to controversies involving Princess Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby. In August 2024, Høiby faced allegations of assault from ex-girlfriends, along with admissions of being under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Oslo police have expanded the charges against him to include threats and theft, leading to further scandal for the royal family.
Despite these challenges, Borg Høiby continues to reside with Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, and their two children. Since her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, Princess Mette-Marit has overcome initial controversies surrounding her past to become a respected figure within Norway’s royal family.
Insights:
Princess Mette-Marit’s public struggle with a rare lung disease sheds light on the personal challenges faced by royals and highlights the importance of prioritizing health despite one’s position. The royal family’s ability to navigate through controversies while maintaining a united front demonstrates resilience and a commitment to supporting each other in times of difficulty. It also serves as a reminder that even individuals in positions of power and privilege are not immune to personal hardships and family issues.