Norwegian prime minister reacts to images of crown princess using oxygen support

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has described recently published images of Crown Princess Mette-Marit using oxygen support as making a “strong impression,” reports Dagbladet. The photos, taken Friday outside the royal residence at Skaugum, show the princess walking with an oxygen tube while her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, carried the device supplying it.

Speaking to TV 2 on Monday, Støre said the images underscore the severity of Mette-Marit’s chronic lung fibrosis, a condition she revealed last year would eventually require a lung transplant. “We must take seriously what they tell us—that this is very serious,” he stated. “On behalf of many, I wish her a full recovery, that this does not worsen, and that she receives the treatment she needs to manage daily life.”

The crown princess, who has spoken openly about her deteriorating health, was photographed walking with Crown Prince Haakon, their neighbour and therapist Lise Bjarkli, and Berit Tversland, the crown prince’s former governess. The group’s outing followed a high-profile NRK interview with Mette-Marit, published Friday, in which she addressed her past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Lung specialist Olav Kåre Refvem explained to Dagbladet that pulmonary fibrosis reduces oxygen absorption, often necessitating supplemental oxygen during physical activity. “When oxygen transfer slows, extra support is needed to prevent deficiency, especially during exertion like walking,” he said.

Støre confirmed he had spoken with Crown Prince Haakon after the NRK interview, calling their conversation “good, as usual.” The prime minister’s office has not yet responded to Dagbladet’s request for further comment.