Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary – and all that comes with 25 years of marriage.
But the Norwegian Crown Prince couple's special day will be a bittersweet one, as Haakon's father, King Harald, remains in hospital after a worrying week, while Mette-Marit's own health has forced them to rethink their celebrations.
Haakon and Mette-Marit were seen in a new photo to celebrate their milestone anniversary on Tuesday, standing in a garden with their arms around each other.
Mette-Marit, 53, looked casual in a light yellow jumper and white skirt with blue flowers, while her husband, the future King, wore a relaxed blue shirt.
© Det kongelige hoffThe caption read: "Congratulations on the silver wedding anniversary of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!
"Today marks 25 years since Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit said yes to each other in Oslo Cathedral, August 25, 2001. 25 years of love, family, and a life together❤️."
The couple also shared more personal photos from their 2001 honeymoon on Long Island in a second post captioned "grateful". They were pictured on early holidays during their marriage, showing off their wedding rings, and taking selfies, while swimming in the sea with the Crown Princess's son Marius.
Crown Prince couple of Norway face difficult times together
Despite the significant date, the grand celebrations will have to wait, as the Crown Princess is still recovering from her lung transplant, which she received in June after her pulmonary fibrosis – which makes it harder to breathe – worsened.
The couple has reportedly postponed a gala night and other events to mark their anniversary.
© The Royal Court of Norway"The Crown Prince and Princess are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year and will commemorate their silver anniversary privately with their family," according to Simen Lovberg Sund, senior communications advisor to the Royal Court, in an email sent to NTB.
Meanwhile, King Harald, 89, remains in Oslo's National Hospital with haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood condition.
In a statement on Sunday, the Palace said his health had "deteriorated", but that his condition was "stable".
© Getty ImagesThe most recent update on Monday added: "There are no significant changes in the King's health, and the situation remains stable."
This year, Mette-Marit has faced Norway's equivalent of an "annus horribilis" due to her ongoing health battle, alongside the trial of her son Marius, and the publication of her past correspondence with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
All about Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's marriage
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit tied the knot in Oslo Cathedral on 25 August, 2001, attended by over 800 guests.
© GettyThe Princess wore a gown of heavy silk crepe and soft silk tulle, specially dyed in an off-white color. The train was two meters long and inspired by the dresses worn by Queen Maud, and the veil was six meters long. She wore a tiara from 1910, a gift from King Harald and Queen Sonja.
The new Crown Princess was not initially popular due to her "rebellious" youth, which made many feel that she did not adhere to the required royal standard. In addition, she had a son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, who was this year convicted of rape following a high-profile trial that made international headlines.
Haakon and Mette-Marit share two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20.
