Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon has cut short an official visit to Japan amid growing concerns about the health of his 52-year-old wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit17:19, 01 Jun 2026Updated 17:21, 01 Jun 2026The Norwegian Royal Family have made major changes to their upcoming engagements as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health continues to decline.The princess’ husband, Crown Prince Haakon - who is the heir to the throne in Norway - has cut short a trip to Japan, while their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is set to return from her study abroad trip in Australia.Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, and was seen earlier this year using an oxygen mask when out on engagements to help her breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that causes progressive lung scarring and increasing difficulty breathing, of which there is no cure.According to the crown prince, her health has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. Last week, Crown Prince Haakon told local media that his wife was seriously unwell, with his father King Harald confirming the family’s concerns, telling reporters that the Crown Princess was very ill.Crown Prince Haakon said: "The Crown Princess is gravely ill, and I find that her condition has deteriorated significantly recently. So, I'm worried about her health. She uses oxygen daily, and that helps a bit, but it's obviously not an entirely satisfactory solution."As a result of his wife’s failing health, the crown prince has scaled back a trip to Japan. A statement from the Palace read: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is shortening his official trip to Japan by one day due to the health situation of Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess."The heir to the Norwegian throne was due to be hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. While his visit will still include a trip to Tokyo, alongside a state dinner, his visit to Hachinohe has now been called off.While the crown prince alters his travel plans, their daughter Ingrid Alexandra will take a break from her studies at the University of Sydney to be at home with her mother.Speaking to reporters, Crown Prince Haakon said Princess Ingrid Alexandra ”plans to come home soon. It has to do with the family situation. She wants to be with her mother.”It’s not known how long Princess Ingrid Alexandra will stay in Oslo but her father said: ”she has plans to complete her studies in Australia…how long she will stay home, we will have to come back to that.”Crown Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, with the condition usually having a life expectancy of five to ten years after diagnosis. At the end of 2025, doctors said they would start considering the possibility of a lung transplant for the Crown Princess.Aside from her health struggles, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has had a difficult few months. The princess’s son, 29-year-old Marius Borg Høiby, has been charged with 32 counts, including alleged rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, and acts of violence against another, making death threats, and numerous traffic violations.During Høiby’s trial, it also emerged that Crown Princess Mette-Marit had a friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after she was named in the so-called Epstein files. The princess spoke out to local media in March, saying she was “manipulated and deceived” by the billionaire paedophile.The crown princess’ name appeared several times in the Epstein files, with emails between the pair implying a years-long friendship. During the 20-minute interview, just weeks after her links to Epstein were exposed, the Norwegian royal said she wished she had never met the late financier.Article continues below