The Crown Prince Family Welcomed the Norwegian Paralympic Athletes
Photo: The Norwegian Royal House
The Crown Prince family hosted a reception for the Norwegian athletes from the Paralympics in Milano Cortina 2026. It was the first time Crown Princess Mette-Marit appeared publicly with an oxygen catheter.
The Crown Prince family hosted a reception at the Royal Palace for the Norwegian athletes who competed at the Paralympics in Milano Cortina 2026. Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus all attended the official event.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Photo: The Norwegian Royal House
It is the first time since last Christmas that the family has appeared together publicly. Both of the Crown Prince's children are currently living abroad but are now home in Norway.
The Crown Princess wore an oxygen catheter providing breathing assistance during the reception. It was the first time she appeared publicly with this. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis for some time. The disease has worsened in recent years and has limited her working capacity. She has been on sick leave several times and is awaiting a lung transplant.
15 Norwegian athletes competed at the Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina and brought home a total of eight medals. Jesper Saltvik Pedersen won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal, while Vilde Nilsen won three individual medals with one gold and two silver. Additionally, the team in the cross-country skiing open relay, consisting of Vilde Nilsen, Kjartan Haugen and Thomas Oxaal, with guide Geir Lervik, won bronze.
Originally, only Crown Prince Haakon was listed in the programme, but on Thursday it became clear that the rest of the Crown Prince family would also attend.