Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has been seen publicly for the first time since undergoing a life-saving lung transplant. The princess, 52, watched her country's 2-1 victory over Brazil in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on television alongside her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, at their official residence in Oslo. The images were shared on the official Instagram account of the Norwegian royal family.
Mette-Marit, who suffers from a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, was pictured wearing casual attire, including a grey coat and a red football scarf, with no makeup. The photos signify her recovery following the lung transplant, which took place last month. The Royal House of Norway confirmed on June 17 that the surgery had been successful and that her recovery was progressing well.
While the Crown Princess watched from Oslo, their eldest daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, attended the match in person in New Jersey. Accompanied by her brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Ingrid Alexandra visited the locker room after the game to congratulate the team. Her presence at the tournament has been notable, stepping in for her father on occasion after Crown Prince Haakon reduced his public engagements to be with his wife during her recovery.
Norway's World Cup qualification marks a significant moment for the nation, and the royal family has shown support from various locations. King Harald and Queen Sonja, who had previously dealt with health issues, watched the match from their summer retreat.
Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a condition that causes scarring of the lungs and severe breathing difficulties. Her condition had significantly worsened in the six months leading up to her transplant surgery. Doctors had indicated that a transplant was a last resort, pursued when a patient is projected to have less than two years to live without new lungs.
The Crown Princess had suspended her official duties for an extended period of rehabilitation. During this time, the Royal Court stated there would be limited updates. Crown Prince Haakon is expected to balance his public duties with spending time supporting his wife.
Earlier this year, Mette-Marit made a rare public appearance during the constitution parade, where she was seen using an oxygen mask. She attended the event with her husband and son, Prince Sverre Magnus, from their residence in Oslo, presenting a brave front during a challenging period for the family.
Separately, Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, was recently sentenced to four years in prison by an Oslo court for multiple offenses, including rape and assault. Hoiby has denied the most serious charges and plans to appeal his conviction.