Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was spotted with an oxygen tank to assist her breathing after stepping out for a public family reunion on Sunday to mark Norwegian Constitution Day.
The 52-year-old royal, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, attended the children's parade at the royal residence Skaugum, near Oslo. Norwegian Constitution Day celebrates the signing of the Norwegian constitution in 1814 and is marked with military parades, flags, music, food and public celebrations.
© Getty ImagesMette-Marit, who wore a nasal breathing device, stopped for photographs on the balcony and outside the palace alongside her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, 52, their son Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, Queen Sonja, 88, and King Harald of Norway, 89.
Donning a grey coat that matched her husband's jacket, Mette-Marit waved to the crowd as her youngest son held their labradoodle, Molly, on a lead. At one point, she perched on a stool while her husband and son stood on either side of her.
© Getty ImagesCrown Princess Mette-Marit's health battle
The Norwegian princess's health battle has been ongoing for several years, after she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. According to the NHS, the condition causes the lungs to become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.
In autumn last year, her condition was confirmed to have worsened, with the palace explaining: "During the autumn, a number of tests have been carried out that show a clear worsening of the Crown Princess' health. The physicians at Rikshospitalet University Hospital have therefore started the process towards an evaluation for potential lung transplant surgery."
Are Martin Holm, Professor and Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Rikshospitalet University Hospital, said: "We are reaching the point where a lung transplant will be necessary, and we are undertaking the necessary preparations to ensure that this will be possible when the time comes. At present, no decision has been taken as to when the Crown Princess will be placed on the lung transplant waiting list."
© Getty ImagesRoyal celebrations for Norwegian Constitution Day
Despite her condition, the princess donned a smile for onlookers on Sunday as she marked the national holiday. Meanwhile, Mette-Marit's daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, kicked off celebrations early from Sydney, Australia.
© Getty ImagesIssuing a message on the official royal website, Ingrid wrote: "Dear everyone, Today, I am feeling a little extra homesick. It is so lovely that we have a day when everyone can dress up a little extra, take part in parades, and celebrate our Constitution.
"I will be celebrating 17 May here in Sydney, and I hope everyone has a wonderful day, whether they are in Norway or abroad. Happy birthday, Norway!"
Marius Borg Høiby's absence
While Prince Sverre Magnus joined his parents for the celebrations, Princess Mette-Marit's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, whom she shares with Morten Borg, remained in prison as he awaits the verdict of a rape trial that concluded in March.
Marius's verdict will be delivered on 15 June by the Oslo District Court. If he is found guilty on the most serious charges, he faces a prosecution-requested sentence of seven years and seven months. He has been charged with 40 counts in total, including four of rape, which he denies.
