Norwegian princess returns home as mother’s health worsens

The future Queen of Norway, Ingrid Alexandra, is suspending her studies at the University of Sydney and returning home from Australia as her mother Mette-Marit’s chronic lung disease has deteriorated.

The princess is currently enrolled in a three-year degree in international relations and political economy, Caliber.Az reports, citing the New York Post.

While she is expected to eventually resume her studies in Australia, it remains unclear how long she will stay in Norway.

The decision comes as Mette-Marit, 52, continues to battle chronic pulmonary fibrosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2018.

Last week, Crown Prince Haakon said her condition had worsened.

“The Crown Princess is seriously ill, and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately,” he said, adding that he is concerned about her health.

The Norwegian royal palace announced in March that her condition had deteriorated, and officials recently shortened Crown Prince Haakon’s visit to Japan due to the situation.

Mette-Marit has recently been seen using an oxygen tube at public events to assist her breathing.

When asked about the possibility of a future lung transplant, Crown Prince Haakon said it was a medical decision to be made by doctors, adding that her condition had unfortunately worsened.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the eldest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and is second in line to the Norwegian throne after her father.

The family has also faced other health challenges in recent months. Queen Sonja, 88, was recently hospitalised with heart-related issues, while King Harald has experienced several health setbacks in recent years.

Separately, a Sydney court recently issued a two-year restraining order against a man accused of stalking the princess while she was studying in Australia. The man was also later charged in an unrelated alleged assault case and is due back in court in July.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov