Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit seriously ill

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has publicly stated that the health of his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has deteriorated, describing her as "seriously ill." The heir to the throne made the comments to journalists following the Abel Prize ceremony in Oslo on Tuesday, expressing his concern over her worsening condition.

The Crown Princess, 52, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The incurable disease causes progressive scarring of the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. Crown Prince Haakon said that while the past six months have included relatively stable periods, his wife's condition has recently declined. She now relies on supplemental oxygen in her daily life, which he said provides some relief.

Her need for oxygen was visible during a recent public appearance for Norway's Constitution Day on May 17, where she was seen using a nasal cannula while watching the celebrations with her family at the royal residence Skaugum. The palace confirmed last autumn that her condition had worsened, and she has since been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant.

Regarding the timing of a potential transplant, Crown Prince Haakon said the decision rests entirely...