Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is cutting short an official state visit to Japan because of the deteriorating health of Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
The decision marks a significant disruption to the royal couple's diplomatic schedule and highlights the severity of the princess's ongoing medical struggle. The announcement comes as the royal household manages the public image of a future monarch's health crisis.
The Norwegian Royal House announced the change on Friday, May 29 [1]. The official visit to Japan had been scheduled for the following week in early June [2].
According to a Royal House spokesperson, the Crown Prince will return to Norway earlier than planned due to the health of Crown Princess Mette-Marit [1]. The spokesperson said that the princess suffers from an incurable lung disease [3].
Crown Prince Haakon, 52 [2], expressed his personal concern regarding the situation. "I'm worried for Crown Princess Mette-Marit; she has gotten a lot worse lately," Haakon said [2].
The royal family has not provided further specifics on the current state of the princess's treatment, or the exact nature of the lung disease. The announcement was issued by the Royal House in Oslo to notify the Japanese government and the public of the adjusted itinerary.
This sudden change in plans underscores the precarious nature of the princess's health. While the couple has previously maintained a level of privacy regarding her illness, the cancellation of a state visit indicates a critical shift in her condition.
“"I'm worried for Crown Princess Mette-Marit; she has gotten a lot worse lately."”
The cancellation of a high-level state visit suggests that Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health has reached a critical stage that precludes the royal couple's ability to fulfill international diplomatic duties. As the spouse of the heir apparent, her health status has implications for the stability and public visibility of the Norwegian monarchy's transition of power.
