Norwegian crown princess faces criticism over oxygen support at public event
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been met with speculation that her use of oxygen support during a public appearance was a “PR stunt,” drawing sharp criticism from health advocates and public figures, Dagbladet reports.
The crown princess, who suffers from the serious lung disease pulmonary fibrosis, made a rare official appearance last week when she welcomed Norwegian athletes from the Paralympic Winter Games at the Royal Palace. For the first time during a public engagement, she wore a nasal cannula delivering oxygen directly into her nose.
The move has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the oxygen support was genuine or staged for publicity. Influencer Sunniva Tillson, known as StSunniva, told Nettavisen that it was “the oldest trick in the book,” adding, “I think the Palace needs new PR people. The most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in five years is that ‘paparazzi walk’ where you see the oxygen mask. It’s just too obvious that it’s meant to look accidental.”
Magne Wang Fredriksen, secretary-general of the Norwegian Lung Association (LHL), condemned the speculation, calling it part of a broader trend of unfounded doubts. “When serious illness is met with suspicion, attention shifts away from the reality: a person with a severe lung condition who needs help to breathe,” he told Dagbladet. “We hope to foster a more generous society where we don’t seize every opportunity to question genuine medical needs.”
Kristin Clemet, head of the liberal think tank Civita, also criticized the claims in a Facebook post, writing: “You can think what you want about the monarchy and the royal family, but I find it extremely ugly that some speculate this is a PR trick—that it’s almost convenient for her to be sick now. It’s both cruel and reckless.”
Wang Fredriksen praised the crown princess for visibly using oxygen support, saying it could help reduce stigma for others with lung conditions. “Many hesitate to be seen in public with medical aids,” he said. “When prominent figures do so, it shows that using available support can help you participate more fully in public life.”
Pulmonary fibrosis causes abnormal scarring in the lungs, making them stiffer and less elastic. As the disease progresses, even light physical activity can become difficult, and severe cases may require lung transplants. Early diagnosis and treatment can stabilize the condition for years, but the disease often develops gradually, with shortness of breath and dry cough as primary symptoms.