Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant. This decision follows a serious worsening of her pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease diagnosed in 2018. The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon is now undergoing a major medical procedure. The transplant can be performed as soon as compatible lungs become available. While awaiting the operation, the Crown Princess will be unable to carry out her official duties as usual.
A disease that has become threatening
Mette-Marit suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes the progressive formation of scar tissue in the lungs. This hardening hinders the passage of oxygen into the blood and reduces lung capacity. The disease has been known for several years. The Crown Princess made her diagnosis public in 2018, explaining that her condition could affect her ability to fulfill her duties. In recent months, her condition has deteriorated significantly. Tests have led doctors to take the next step: placing her on the list of patients eligible for a lung transplant.
The transplant can now take place at any time
Being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee a specific surgery date. A transplant depends on the availability of compatible organs. The medical criteria are strict: biological compatibility, organ size, the urgency of the patient's condition, and the ability to withstand major surgery. The situation can therefore change rapidly. If compatible lungs become available, the procedure can be scheduled quickly. Conversely, the wait can be long, as suitable organs are scarce.
The princess is ending her public engagements
The Crown Princess is now suspending most of her official duties. Her health no longer allows her to carry out her usual travels, ceremonies, and public appearances. This decision also affects Crown Prince Haakon's schedule. He will limit his trips, both in Norway and abroad, in order to spend more time with his wife before and after her surgery. His planned attendance in Stockholm for the golden wedding anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden has been cancelled.
The family closes ranks
Mette-Marit's medical condition is also disrupting her children's plans. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who was studying at the University of Sydney, is returning to Norway. She will continue her autumn 2026 semester at the University of Oslo to be closer to her mother. Prince Sverre Magnus is scheduled to begin his studies in Europe in the autumn, but will return to Norway if the Crown Princess's health requires it.
The silver wedding anniversary postponed
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were due to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in August 2026. This celebration has been postponed. Mette-Marit will also not participate in the tour planned for September. The official schedule of the Crown Prince family is now centered around awaiting the transplant, the possible operation, and the subsequent recovery.
One of the most complex operations
Lung transplantation is a major procedure. It is considered when respiratory disease becomes very severe and other treatments are no longer sufficient to stabilize the patient's condition. After the operation, recovery can be lengthy. The patient must be closely monitored and take immunosuppressant medication to prevent rejection of the new lungs. The procedure can offer a significant improvement, but it remains a complex, demanding, and risky medical undertaking.
A very high-profile royal figure
Mette-Marit became Crown Princess of Norway upon marrying Haakon on August 25, 2001. Her personal story, much discussed at the time, left its mark on the Norwegian monarchy. A single mother before her marriage, from a non-aristocratic background, she eventually established herself as a central figure in the royal family. Since the announcement of her illness, she has regularly adjusted her public activities. The worsening of her condition is forcing her to change her plans… Norway is now closely monitoring the health of its future queen. If she survives her illness…
