Volkswacht Bodensee - Norway crown prince 'worried' about wife's health

"The crown princess is gravely ill, and I find that her condition has deteriorated significantly recently," Haakon told reporters.

"So, I'm worried about her health. She uses oxygen daily, and that helps a bit, but it's obviously not an entirely satisfactory solution," the 52-year-old said.

Mette-Marit was diagnosed in 2018 with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis that causes breathing difficulties, which has repeatedly forced her to take sick leave or scale back her official duties.

The princess has recently appeared in public wearing a device to help her breathe -- a nasal cannula, consisting of tube connected to an oxygen device carried by a palace employee.

The palace announced in December that the princess might need a lung transplant.

Mette-Marit, who married Haakon in 2001, has had a difficult few months in the spotlight.

Documents were released in January revealing her friendship and frequent contact with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014.

In addition, her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, went on trial earlier this year for rape, which he denies.

That verdict is due on June 15.

C.Kreuzer--VB