Health matters in royal households around the world are usually handled with relative caution. It was in June, four years after his accession to the throne, that Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan made their first official foreign trip, to Indonesia. The media had been pointing out for some time the depression that the empress had been suffering for years, referred to in the palace with the euphemism of “adaptation syndrome.” Another similar case has occurred in Norway.
It is that of Princess Mette-Marit, who since 2018 has suffered from chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative disease that scars the lung. The Nordic royalty has preferred to be more discreet with this matter so as not to worry its most loyal followers. Only in July her husband, Crown Prince Hakoon, expressed optimism in an interview to celebrate his 50th birthday. However, the latest statement from the palace indicates the opposite.
It all started on September 13, when the Norwegian royal house indicated that Princess Mette-Marit would be on sick leave for the next two weeks. Since then, Hakoon has covered all of her solo events and engagements: from participating with her sons in a Crazy Car competition made by teenagers, to traveling to Stockholm to attend the Golden Jubilee of King Carl Gustaf of Sweden.
After these fifteen days, the monarchy’s statement does not predict any improvement in the princess’s condition. “The crown princess will also be less active in the future and she does not have any official events planned for this week or for the autumn holidays,” Guri Varpe, head of the Nordic royal communication team, explained in the statement. Autumn holidays in Norway run from October 3 to 9, so you would miss the first third of the month.
On the other hand, the website of the royal house indicates a different fact, which could set a date for the end of his discharge. According to the portal, Mette-Marit could be present at the inauguration of the riding hall of the Royal Palace of Oslo, which will be held on October 13. “Both the kings and the crown princes will be present,” reads the writing on the website. If you do not attend this event, there is an additional possibility.
These are the events to commemorate the coming of age of Prince Christian of Denmark. The young man will turn 18 on October 15, and Mette-Marit could take part in the celebrations considering the good relationship that exists between both houses. Celebration events will include a changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, as well as appearing alongside her parents, her siblings and Queen Margaret on the balcony to say hello.
