Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway greeted the public with a smile on May 17 as the Norwegian royal family appeared for the country’s national holiday celebrations. Despite her serious lung disease, the 52-year-old took part in several important events throughout the day — first outside the family residence at Skaugum and later during the traditional balcony appearance at the Royal Palace in Oslo.
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An oxygen device could once again be seen beside the Crown Princess. At certain moments, Mette-Marit sat down on a chair prepared for her, and photographers also captured her coughing several times. Even so, she remained by the side of Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway and her son Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway, warmly engaging with the crowds gathered for the celebrations.
Mette-Marit Opted Against Traditional Dress
While Haakon and Sverre Magnus wore traditional Norwegian attire, the Crown Princess chose a long light-colored coat instead of the customary national costume. The difference did not go unnoticed.
Norway’s national day is considered one of the country’s most important celebrations — a symbol of unity, tradition and national pride. That made Mette-Marit’s appearance even more emotional, as she continues to fulfill royal duties despite her visible physical challenges.
Pulmonary Fibrosis has Weighed on the Crown Princess for Years
Behind the emotional public appearance lies a serious diagnosis: Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway has long suffered from incurable pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that causes progressive scarring of the lungs and can severely affect breathing. According to the Norwegian palace, her condition has worsened in recent months. In December, the royal court even revealed that the Crown Princess may eventually require a lung transplant.
That made her participation in several National Day events appear all the more courageous. The images from the celebrations showed not only a royal fulfilling official duties, but also a woman visibly fighting the physical effects of her illness.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway Celebrated May 17 Far from Home
One absence was particularly noticeable during the celebrations: Princess Ingrid Alexandra was not in Norway this year. The daughter of the Crown Prince couple is currently studying in Sydney and marked Norway’s National Day from abroad instead.
The royal family later shared photos of the princess wearing traditional dress on Instagram alongside the emotional message: “I’m a bit more homesick today.” The post highlighted how personal and meaningful May 17 remains for the royal family, even across continents.
Family Unity on the Palace Balcony
After attending the children’s parade in Asker, the royal family continued the celebrations in Oslo. There, Mette-Marit and Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway appeared on the palace balcony alongside Harald V and Sonja of Norway to greet the crowds gathered below. Their son Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway also joined them.
The day was marked by visible family support and togetherness, even as the Crown Princess’s health struggles could not be ignored. Her smile, small gestures toward the public and determination to participate made the appearance especially moving for many royal watchers.
