Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, has seen a considerable worsening of her health, as announced by her representative to the German Press Agency (dpa). As a result, the 52-year-old will have to cancel all her public engagements for the coming week, including her participation in the official visit of the Belgian royal couple to Norway. This development has raised concerns about her capacity to perform royal duties.

The princess has been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic disease that causes scarring of the lungs and severe breathing difficulties. Her health challenges were highlighted last December when the Norwegian palace disclosed that she might require a lung transplant. Her ongoing struggles with this condition have not only impacted her personal life but also the expectations surrounding her role within the royal family, as she continues to be a public figure.

In addition to her health issues, Princess Mette-Marit faces increased scrutiny and pressure regarding her public image, especially following revelations concerning her past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The royal family is also dealing with additional distress related to her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, further complicating the already challenging circumstances for the princess. This combination of personal health crises and public image pressures presents a significant time for the royal family as they navigate their responsibilities amidst these challenges.