- Crown Princess Mette-Marit extends sick leave
- The Norway royal faces health issues & family scandals
- She was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, aged 51, continues to face significant health challenges as her sick leave has been prolonged. Diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic condition that damages lung tissue, the royal has been undergoing treatment. Her initial leave commenced on October 23, following the start of a new treatment regimen.
In a recent statement, the Norwegian royal court announced, "Due to side effects of the medicines the Crown Princess must take for her chronic lung disease, the sick leave has been extended, initially until 5 November. Program items during the period will be cancelled or postponed." This decision underscores the seriousness of her condition and the impact it has on her royal responsibilities.
Public appearances and family dynamics
Before her extended leave, Mette-Marit was last seen in public on October 21, alongside her husband, Crown Prince Haakon. The couple was in Berlin to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Nordic countries' joint embassy facility. Her absence from public duties has coincided with a tumultuous period for the royal family.
The Crown Princess's extended leave comes amidst a scandal involving her son, Marius Borg Høiby. The 27-year-old, who is Haakon's stepson, recently admitted to an assault on his girlfriend, following his arrest in August. The incident has cast a shadow over the royal household.
Legal troubles and family challenges
Adding to the family's woes, Norwegian media outlet Se og Hør reported Marius's involvement in a burglary at the royal residence, Skaugum, after hosting a "wild party." Consequently, he no longer has access to the property. Police confirmed to Aftenposten that Marius also lost his driving licence, though the exact timing of this revocation remains unclear.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are also parents to Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 18. The family has been navigating these personal challenges while maintaining their public duties.
King Harald V's reflection on a challenging year
King Harald V, Norway's reigning monarch since 1991, recently addressed the royal family's difficult year during a speech at the Storting. The 87-year-old king, who had his own health scare earlier this year, stated, "The royal family is a team that works well together. And then we are a family - with the joys and challenges that we all know can come with it. In both good and difficult times, we try to stand together and support each other."
His words highlight the resilience and unity of the royal family amid adversity. King Harald's hospitalization during a private holiday in Malaysia and subsequent surgery to fit a pacemaker have added to the family's challenges.
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In his heartfelt address, the king expressed gratitude for the support the family has received, saying, "We are grateful for all the warmth and consideration that has been shown to us throughout this special and demanding year - right from when I had to be flown home in February on sick leave."
