As the Norwegian royal family hosts King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at a state banquet this evening, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is not in attendance.
Last week, Palace communications head Guri Varpe told NRK that “The Crown Princess’s health has deteriorated, which is why she is not currently listed in the program for the state visit.” However, this morning, the Princess made a last-minute appearance to welcome the Belgian royal couples to the Royal Palace in Oslo, her first public engagement in nearly two months.
Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon this morning.Photonews – Getty Images
Princess Mette-Marit is currently dealing with health problems; in 2018, she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, and is preparing for a lung transplant.
“I live with a serious illness, and it is what characterizes my everyday life now. It is what determines whether I can even stand in my role or not,” she said last week in an interview that largely focused on her past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “But I have great faith in the importance of the monarchy in Norway. And I have great faith that trust is one of the finest values of our society. And I really hope that over time this does not weaken trust in the institution. That would be very sad for me.”
Elsewhere in the interview with NRK, Mette-Marit said, “I am the mother of a young man who has been in a very demanding situation,” referring to the fact her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently in prison. She added, “In addition, I have health that requires a lot of rest. And it has developed even more.”
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