Although Norway was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Crown Prince Haakon (52) had some positive news to share on the sidelines of the match. In an interview with Norwegian media, he spoke about the health condition of his wife Mette-Marit (52), who received a new lung last month. It was his first trip abroad after the operation.
When asked how the Crown Princess was doing, Haakon replied: "Fortunately, things are getting better and better now, which makes us very happy. She has been excellently cared for by very competent and talented staff members of the team there."
First photos showed a relaxed and smiling Mette-Marit
In mid-June, the Norwegian court had quoted surgeon Arnt Fiane from the University Hospital in Oslo with the words: "The lung transplant has been successful so far." In early June, there had been talk of a "life-threatening" condition; at the same time, Mette-Marit was placed on the waiting list, and the operation followed a few days later.
In 2018, the princess received a diagnosis of chronic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable disease in which scars form in the lung tissue and can cause shortness of breath. Over the past six months, her condition had deteriorated noticeably. On the National Day in May, Mette-Marit appeared in public with an oxygen device before withdrawing from public life.
After the round of 16 on July 5, photos of Crown Princess Mette-Marit were published for the first time since her lung transplant, giving hope. The Norwegian court showed the Crown Prince couple during the match against Brazil on the sofa in the Oslo Palace with fan scarves draped around them, with Mette-Marit smiling relaxed at the camera. Another photo showed the two standing at the window, watching the celebrating crowd from there.
Afterwards, however, a spokesperson for the royal household told the Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the Crown Princess still needs to be treated in the clinic. "As we have already communicated, we will inform when the Crown Princess is discharged from the hospital. So far, that has not been the case."
King Harald has invited the national team to the palace
While Mette-Marit continues to recover from the major procedure, Norwegians are expecting their soccer players back home. Although they didn't make it to the semifinals, the World Cup was a great success for the team - never before had the Norwegians made it to the quarterfinals of a World Cup. "I think we feel a sense of community, and it's nice that we can talk about something so positive, like the national team here and how well they're doing at the World Cup", Haakon enthused. With their Viking-inspired "rowing" choreography, the Norwegians won many hearts worldwide.
And so the players are to be properly celebrated in Norway. After their landing, which is expected Monday morning, there is to be a reception in Oslo. This was confirmed by the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) to "VG". Details are not yet known, but the NFF president already revealed that the national players have been invited by King Harald V (89) to the palace. The meeting will likely take place before the public reception.
