Since her lung transplant in mid-June, there has been little news about Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Now, the Norwegian royal family has released new photos of the 52-year-old for the first time. She is pictured with Crown Prince Haakon at the palace in Oslo, where the couple watched Norway’s dramatic World Cup victory over Brazil. The relaxed images show Mette-Marit on the sofa in jeans, a cardigan, and socks, complete with a Norwegian fan scarf. She was also photographed smiling by the window, looking far more at ease than many expected.
Mette-Marit and Haakon Watch the World Cup Victory
The photos were taken during the thrilling match, which Norway won 2–1 against Brazil. The royal family shared: “Yesterday was a historic night! The whole family watched with excitement!”
In addition to Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, other members of the Norwegian royal family were also caught up in soccer fever. King Harald V and Queen Sonja watched the match from Mågerø, while Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus cheered on the team live at the stadium in the United States.
Photos from Oslo Give Fans New Hope
For many royal watchers, these new images are an important and reassuring sign. It had been weeks since Mette-Marit’s surgery at Rikshospitalet with no new photos released. The sense of relief was immediate.
On social media, fans expressed joy at seeing the Crown Princess again. The photos were taken in a deliberately private setting — no formal event, just a relaxed moment on the sofa with her husband, wearing casual clothes and a Norwegian fan scarf. This intimate glimpse has given many in Norway a renewed sense of hope.
The Royal Court Clarifies: Mette-Marit Has Not Yet Been Discharged
Despite the positive images, the Royal Court emphasized that Mette-Marit has not yet been officially discharged from the hospital. Communications advisor Liv Anette Luane stated: “As we have communicated previously, we will inform you about it when the Crown Princess is discharged from the hospital. For now, she is not.”
It therefore remains unclear when she will return home full-time. The photos represent a cautious but encouraging sign of life rather than a full return to normal.
Haakon Celebrates with Fans
Outside the palace, large crowds celebrated Norway’s victory. Additional images show Haakon joining fans in the traditional Norwegian supporter chants and rowing motions.
The exact timing of the photos with Mette-Marit is still unclear, but one thing is evident: the Crown Princess is showing herself again — smiling, relaxed, and approachable.
