The Norwegian royal family has been through a difficult time: On Wednesday, it was announced that Crown Princess Mette-Marit (52) had undergone a lung transplant. Princess Ingrid Alexandra (22) had previously traveled from Australia to be by her mother's side. Just a few days ago, the number two in line to the throne distracted herself together with her younger brother Sverre Magnus (20) at a women's national team soccer match in Oslo.
Now the palace has announced that the siblings will soon be attending another major public engagement: The two will travel to the USA early next week. On Tuesday, they will attend the World Cup match between Norway and Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, and on Wednesday they will visit a soccer school in Brooklyn. This is according to the calendar on the royal house's website.
Crown Prince Haakon (52) is also back to his work routine, albeit in a reduced capacity: On Friday morning, the heir to the throne held a cabinet meeting together with King Harald V (89), according to the calendar. Another will follow on Monday.
Mette-Marit is recovering in hospital
Crown Princess Mette-Marit is meanwhile recovering after her surgery at Oslo's Rikshospitalet. According to Norwegian media, the 52-year-old received visits in recent days from her mother-in-law Queen Sonja (88) as well as her husband and children. Reportedly, Marius Borg Høiby (29) - accompanied by police - was also allowed to visit her. Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship is currently in custody. On Monday, he was sentenced to a four-year prison term for charges including two counts of assault.
For the Norwegian soccer team, after the match against Senegal on June 26, the final preliminary round match against France is next. The team led by striker Erling Haaland won their first group match 4-1 against Iraq and has good chances of advancing to the next round.
