Queen Mette-Marit of Norway will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of her husband, King Haakon VIII, due to complications following her lung transplant surgery. The 53-year-old Queen is currently under medical observation, according to a statement from Pulmonologist Are Holm of Norway's National Hospital.
"It is not uncommon for complications to occur after a lung transplant," Holm stated. "The Queen has had complications on some occasions since the operation, including today. As a result, the Queen must be observed throughout the day."
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra will accompany the new King at the ceremony, alongside Queen Sonja and Prince Sverre Magnus. Queen Mette-Marit was previously on the program for the event but has been removed.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant moment for King Haakon VIII, who ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Harald V, on Friday morning. King Harald V passed away at age 89 after a hospital admission for haemolytic anaemia.
Queen Mette-Marit had been suffering from chronic pulmonary fibrosis for several years, with her condition worsening significantly in the six months prior to her lung transplant earlier this summer. At the time of the surgery, the Royal House of Norway announced that the transplant had been successful and that recovery was progressing well.
In July, the Queen suspended her official duties to undergo a period of rehabilitation. King Haakon VIII had indicated he would reduce his public engagements to spend time with his wife, a situation that may change with his new responsibilities as monarch.
King Harald V, a cousin of King Charles III, had reigned for 35 years. His death was followed by public tributes, with thousands gathering in Oslo to pay their respects. A recent poll by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation indicated a rise in support for the monarchy following his death, with 72% of Norwegians expressing support.
The Norwegian royal family has faced scrutiny in the past year. Queen Mette-Marit faced questions regarding her ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein, having stayed at his Palm Beach residence in 2013. She stated she had been misled by Epstein. Additionally, her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, is currently under house arrest pending an appeal against a sentence for rape convictions. He was involved in the ceremony for the late King Harald V and is permitted to attend the funeral on September 9.