August M
Norway’s royal family marked Constitution Day with traditional celebrations at Skaugum and the Royal Palace, though Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s participation was limited because of her worsening health condition.
The appearance came during an especially difficult period for the royal household, as public scrutiny and ongoing health concerns continued to dominate headlines, reports NRK.
Short appearance
According to NRK, the Crown Prince family began May 17 celebrations by greeting the children’s procession from the steps of Skaugum in Asker.
Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Sverre Magnus took part in the early ceremony, while Princess Ingrid Alexandra celebrated Norway’s National Day in Sydney.
Mette-Marit appeared wearing a nasal oxygen catheter designed to help her breathing, but returned indoors after less than 15 minutes.
Later in the morning, Crown Prince Haakon and Prince Sverre Magnus joined King Harald and Queen Sonja on the Royal Palace balcony in Oslo to greet the capital’s children’s procession.
Health concerns
The Crown Princess later returned to the balcony after taking a break because of the strain caused by her illness.
Mette-Marit was diagnosed eight years ago with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that has increasingly affected her public duties and mobility.
NRK previously reported that the princess recently appeared at official events using respiratory assistance for the first time.
At a literary event held at the Royal Palace last month, she delivered her speech while seated due to exhaustion linked to her condition.
Difficult period
The royal family’s public appearances come amid broader controversy surrounding the monarchy.
Recent months have brought renewed scrutiny over Mette-Marit’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, an issue that sparked criticism and public debate in Norway.
In an earlier interview with NRK, the Crown Princess acknowledged the reactions surrounding the friendship, while the Royal House said it understood the public response and apologized to those who felt disappointed.
Surveys cited by Norwegian media suggested public trust in the monarchy and in Mette-Marit personally had declined following the revelations.
Family pressure
Attention has also remained focused on legal proceedings involving Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby.
The Oslo District Court recently confirmed that a verdict in his case is expected on June 15 after a lengthy trial that concluded earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the Crown Princess has spoken openly about the progression of her illness, including discussions about the possibility of a future lung transplant.
“Just thinking about the idea that this is the next step is quite demanding,” she previously told NRK.
Sources: NRK
