The members of the royal family are hoping to mark positive milestones in current day as the family goes through major turmoil.
Just as Norway’s Crown Princess had only returned home from her lung transplant surgery, it was revealed on Monday that 89-year-old King Harald was hospitalised. In an announcement, it was shared that the monarch is taking a two-week sick leave while Crown Prince Haakon is acting as regent.
As the King recovers, the Royal House of Norway released a family portrait as they marked Princess Mette-Marit’s birthday.
“Congratulations to Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who turns 53 today!” the English translation of the Norwegian language read.
The photo had been taken earlier this year and has been credited to the Royal Court.
This would be the Princess’s first birthday since her transplant surgery which is why it is a special one. Mette-Marit, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, was taken into urgent surgery in June as her condition had deteriorated.
However, she seems to be doing well now. Moreover, her daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is also back home as an exchange student in university to be closer to her mother.
It appears to be a show of united front as Europe’s current longest-serving monarch, Harald is suffering from haemolytic anaemia. The condition is caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. An update is due on the King’s health.
2026-08-19 15:23:00
