Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health deteriorates, family cuts Japan visit short

During a state visit to Japan, Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon announced to journalists that his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit's health has worsened. The princess suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that damages lung tissue and impairs breathing. Due to her health issues, the Japan visit has been shortened and the family is returning home early.

Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been struck by a serious health crisis, forcing the royal family to change its plans for returning from Japan. According to Norwegian outlet VG, Crown Prince Haakon revealed to the press during the state visit to Japan that his wife's health condition has deteriorated.

Crown Prince Haakon confirmed that the Japan trip will be shortened due to the princess's poor health. Mette-Marit suffers from pulmonary fibrosis – a serious condition in which lung tissue becomes damaged, scarred and thickened. The scarred lung tissue becomes rigid, making breathing and oxygen absorption into the bloodstream significantly more difficult.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease for which there is currently no complete cure. The Norwegian crown princess has spoken publicly about her diagnosis for some time, but the current health deterioration appears to have further intensified the seriousness of the situation. As the disease progresses, the princess increasingly has to withdraw from public duties.