Norway Crown Prince Cuts Japan Trip Over Wife's Health

Norway’s royal family has announced that Crown Prince Haakon Magnus will shorten his upcoming trip to Japan because of the worsening health of his wife, Mette-Marit.

The palace made the announcement on Friday, saying Haakon will still visit Tokyo from June 1 to June 3 but has cancelled a planned trip to Hachinohe on June 4.

Princess Mette-Marit has been living with an incurable lung disease known as pulmonary fibrosis since 2018. The illness causes breathing difficulties and has forced her to reduce public appearances and official duties in recent years.

Norway Crown Prince Cuts Japan Trip Over Wife's Health (NewsCentral TV) — Norway Flag. Credit: The Royal House Of Norway.

On Tuesday, Haakon admitted that Mette Marit’s health had worsened and he was “worried” about her condition.

Recently, the princess has been seen in public using a breathing tube connected to an oxygen device carried by palace staff. The royal palace also revealed in December that she may eventually need a lung transplant.

Mette-Marit, who married Haakon in 2001, has faced increased public attention in recent months following reports about her past friendship with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

At the same time, her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently facing a rape trial, which he denies. The court verdict in the case is expected on June 15.

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