Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health is deteriorating due to her chronic lung disease, Norway’s royal family has announced.
Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, the 50-year-old princess is now experiencing worsening symptoms since last year, and that impacts her ability to carry out royal duties.
Crown Princess has daily symptoms
In a statement, the palace confirmed that the disease has progressed, requiring greater flexibility in her official schedule. “The Crown Princess has daily symptoms and ailments that affect her ability to perform her duties. Changes to her official schedule may happen more frequently and with shorter notice than usual, according to the statement.
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Pulmonary fibrosis causes lung scarring, making breathing increasingly difficult over time. Despite this, Mette-Marit remains committed to her role. “The Crown Princess has a strong desire to continue working, and therefore we will organize her official program in the best possible way so that her health and work can be combined,” the palace added.
Mette-Marit is a former waitress
Since her diagnosis, Mette-Marit has been open about the unpredictability of her condition. She and Crown Prince Haakon chose to disclose her illness in 2018 to prepare the public for necessary absences.
Married to the future king since 2001, Mette-Marit has earned public admiration for her resilience. Though she faced scrutiny before joining the royal family, as she does not come from an aristocratic background and is a former waitress, she has since become one of Norway’s most respected public figures.
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