PRINCESS INGRID ALEXANDRA RETURNS HOME FROM AUSTRALIA AMID MOTHER'S HEALTH CRISIS

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Princess Ingrid Alexandra has returned home from Australia after putting her university studies on hold to support her mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, whose health has sharply deteriorated in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old princess had been studying international relations and political economy at the University of Sydney. Her return follows news that Mette-Marit has been placed on Norway's lung transplant waiting list as she battles advanced pulmonary fibrosis.

Crown Prince Haakon confirmed that his daughter wanted to be with her family during the difficult period. Norwegian media have closely followed her arrival, with photographs showing members of the royal family traveling together to medical appointments in Oslo.

The decision underscores the seriousness of the crown princess's condition and has generated widespread public sympathy. Ingrid Alexandra, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne after her father, is expected to resume her studies in Australia at a later date, though palace officials have not indicated when that might occur.

Her return comes at a sensitive moment for the monarchy, which is already confronting questions about succession, public confidence and several unrelated controversies involving members of the extended royal family.

Political leaders and members of the public have largely set aside those debates in recent days, focusing instead on messages of support for the family.

The royal household has asked for privacy while Mette-Marit undergoes treatment and waits for a possible transplant.