Princess Mette-Marit of Norway wears elegant gown days after revealing her lung disease

Crown Princess Mette-Marit opted for a very sophisticated ensemble as she arrived with her spouse at the Opera House in Oslo for the Nordic Council Literature Prize tonight.

The 45-year-old – who married the apparent heir to the Norwegian throne back in 2000 – sported a black and grey floral dress.

The outfit had a semi-sheer design at the sleeves and neckline, with the fabric falling to the floor.

Her dress slightly cinched at her waist, and featured ruffles at the shoulders.

The Princess teamed the attention-commanding get-up with a pair of black high heels.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Haakon, 45, opted for a similar toned ensemble – wearing a white shirt, black trousers, and long black coat.

He also donned a black and grey striped tie – colours which made a nod at his wife’s wardrobe choice.

The duo, who have three children together, grinned as they walked beside one another down the red carpet.

Last week, it was revealed by the Norwegian royal court that Mette-Marit is suffering from the life-limiting condition, chronic pulmonary fibrosis.

A statement, which was released by The Royal House of Norway on October 24, said the condition could limit her ability to carry out her official programme at times.

In the notice, posted on the official website for the Norwegian royals, the Crown Princess discussed her health.

“The Crown Prince and I are choosing to make this public now partly because in future there will be a need to plan periods of time without an official programme to accommodate treatment and when the disease is more active,” she said.

Her doctor, Professor Kristian Bjøro of Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, said that her lung condition has been monitored by the hospital for a number of years, with the disease having progressed slowly.

He also stated that little is known about the cause of this type of fibrosis, before adding that is has widely been agreed that “it is not related to environmental or lifestyle factors.”

Crown Princess Mette-Marit added: “Even if such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I am glad that the disease has been discovered so early.