Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is taking a month-long leave from royal duties due to health reasons. During this period, she will be working on her pulmonary rehab. This decision has been made against the backdrop of her continued fight with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that gradually destroys lung tissue. The rehabilitation process is set to start in early October. Her health and the best management of her illness will be her primary focus during this time.
Mette-Marit has been open about her experiences with pulmonary fibrosis since she revealed her diagnosis in 2018. She is very candid about how this chronic illness shapes her day-to-day living. It’s made her more fatigued and has forced her to take breaks more than she did before.
“I am exhausted faster than before, so today I have to take more care of myself than I did before,” – Mette-Marit
Adjustments to Royal Duties
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has the full support of the royal family as she focuses on her rehabilitation. While she will not assume any official responsibilities in October, she may fulfill some previously scheduled obligations. During her time away from home, her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, will be representing the royal family in Norway. Mette-Marit and her doctors plan to have her return to official duties by November, contingent on her recovery.
While we don’t know what these specific challenges are, the Crown Princess has not shied away from discussing her health state. For her, this is a chronic reality and she needs to plan or reroute her day around it. Her condition demands that she be careful in how she engages with her duties and puts her health and wellbeing first.
Family Support Amidst Challenges
The royal family’s position has been further marred by the recent legal troubles surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s stepson, Marius Borg Høiby. He faces very serious charges including multiple counts of rape, which have naturally increased stress on the family.
King Harald, the country’s monarch, spoke to the issue directly, noting the family’s steadfast dedication to their work in the wake of these brutal personal challenges.
“It has been challenging and difficult for everyone. It has now been clarified what the charges will be. It is now up to the court to decide. For our part, we will continue to carry out our duties,” – King Harald
Just this week, Crown Princess Mette-Marit unexpectedly called off her scheduled week-long trip to the United States with husband Crown Prince Haakon. In defending this decision, she has pointed out the severity and the impact of her health issues on her ability to fulfill her public commitments.
Understanding Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive, supervised program that aims to safely maximize the physical and emotional abilities of those living with chronic lung disease. The goal of the program, she explains, is to train your body so it needs less oxygen and it’ll help you control the symptoms better. This multifaceted strategy usually incorporates aerobic and resistance exercise training, nutritional counseling and education on the disease itself.
While Crown Princess Mette-Marit undertakes this rehabilitation journey she has publically expressed her wish that her health will improve. Her candor about her life with pulmonary fibrosis brings an important reality to light. Millions of Americans suffer from the day-to-day burdens of chronic diseases.
“Although such a diagnosis will at times put limitations on my life, I am glad that the disease was discovered so early,” – Mette-Marit
