Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has not been seen publicly since the end of January, despite her son Marius Borg Høiby facing legal issues and her own connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian media outlet TV 2 reached out to the Palace to inquire about her absence, receiving a response that cited the princess's ongoing struggle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis as the reason for her silence.

According to Palace communications director Guri Varpe, there has been a recent negative development in Mette-Marit’s health, leading to preparations for a lung transplant assessment. This emphasizes the seriousness of her condition and highlights the princess's increased need for customized rehabilitation, rest, and recovery. Her official schedule has been tailored to accommodate her health situation, indicating that the royal family is prioritizing her wellbeing at this time.

Crown Prince Haakon met with the press recently but refrained from discussing Mette-Marit’s situation, further highlighting the family's desire for privacy during this challenging period. The ongoing health issues of the Crown Princess are a matter of public interest but also sensitive, reflecting the balance the royal family must maintain between their public roles and personal health challenges.