Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit cancels October engagements for lung rehabilitation as son faces charges

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway will not perform official duties in October as she begins a month-long lung rehabilitation program in Norway, the royal household said Friday. The update confirms her ongoing battle with a form of pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease she disclosed publicly in 2018. The palace said the restriction on engagements is a planned measure to accommodate treatment and rest, though some exceptions are possible, including a dinner for members of parliament at the Royal Palace on October 23. The Crown Princess is expected to resume her official duties in November.

The announcement comes as Mette-Marit, 52, continues to manage a health condition described by her doctors as incurable but with slow progression in her case. Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lungs and can make breathing increasingly difficult. In the palace’s description, her variant of fibrosis is not linked to environmental or lifestyle factors, a distinction that has influenced both prognosis and treatment planning. The royal household has stressed that the disease’s early detection offers some medical advantages, including a better outlook for balancing health needs with public duties. The palace has also emphasized that while the condition will limit work at times, the goal remains for the princess to participate in official programmes as much as possible.

The royal health matter has unfolded amid personal strain. In March, the palace said the condition had progressed to the point where Mette-Marit experienced daily symptoms, requiring additional rest. The queen-consort-to-be has previously described a fluctuating working capacity, noting that the illness would necessitate planning periods without an official programme to accommodate treatment and disease activity. Her openness about the health challenge dates to the couple’s 2018 statement, in which she explained that the disease could affect how often she could carry out official duties and that the couple would share information publicly to aid planning.

The year has also brought family stress. Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, 28, has faced a series of criminal allegations that have amplified public attention on the royal household. In August, a Norwegian prosecutor charged Hoiby with 32 offences, including four counts of rape and a range of other crimes connected to the period between 2018 and 2024. The indictment described alleged acts against multiple women, including allegations that Hoiby assaulted partners while they were sleeping and, in some cases, occurred after consensual sexual activity. He is also accused of threats against a former partner, violence, and violations of the Road Traffic Act. Prosecutors stated the case carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison following a trial scheduled for January. The charges are being pursued as part of a broader investigation that has tracked Hoiby’s conduct across several years.

The charges against Hoiby have coincided with additional questions about his status within the royal circle. Norwegian media reported that Hoiby’s diplomatic passport was revoked, although officials have not publicly specified the timing or reasons beyond standard security considerations. Hoiby, who was born from a relationship before Mette-Marit’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, is described in court documents as Haakon’s stepson. His legal proceedings have continued to unfold alongside the princess’s health challenges, complicating an already difficult year for the royal family.

Health details about pulmonary fibrosis, as summarized by public health authorities, note that the condition causes a range of symptoms, most notably shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, and swollen fingertips. There is currently no cure, and the disease’s course varies among individuals. Treatments exist to slow progression and alleviate symptoms, but they do not halt the underlying scarring of lung tissue. Regular monitoring helps doctors gauge whether the disease is advancing rapidly or slowly. In Mette-Marit’s case, her medical team has described a relatively slow progression over several years, which has allowed for periods of work interspersed with rest when needed.

The royal household has consistently framed the princess’s public role around a central premise: to balance public duties with health needs. The October schedule release states that while most official engagements will be postponed, some events may proceed if appropriate accommodations can be made. The palace’s message also underscored the princess’s intention to continue contributing to public life as circumstances permit, with a plan to resume formal duties in November. The decision to publicize the health condition in earlier years was framed as part of long-term planning to ensure transparency and to help others manage similar health challenges.

As this development unfolds, observers note the broader implications for the Norwegian royal family’s public-facing role during a period of personal and legal complexity. The royal household has emphasized a commitment to continuity in their official duties while acknowledging the need for flexibility as health conditions and family circumstances evolve. The coming months will be closely watched for any further updates on both Mette-Marit’s health management and Hoiby’s ongoing legal process, including how these factors might affect public appearances by other members of the royal family.