Queen Mette-Marit has found herself in the spotlight following a controversial passage in the book Eventyrnettene. The book focuses on Norway's soccer summer during the 2026 World Cup, but shortly before its release, attention suddenly shifted to the 53-year-old Crown Princess's lung transplant.
In the book, author Alfred Fidjestøl claimed that Mette-Marit received a new lung during Norway's World Cup match against Iraq. He also alleged that the donor organ came from someone who had died in an accident in Scandinavia. However, these claims were withdrawn shortly before the book went on sale.
Mette-Marit's Doctor Strongly Disputed The Claims
The statements prompted criticism from Are Holm, Mette-Marit's pulmonologist. He took particular issue with the alleged timing of the transplant and the account of the donor's death.
"Of course he doesn't know that," Holm reportedly told Dagbladet, referring to the author's claims.
The doctor also emphasized that Norwegian law protects the anonymity of organ donors and recipients. As a result, information that could reveal a connection between the two parties is subject to strict confidentiality rules.
Alfred Fidjestøl Retracted The Statement
Author Alfred Fidjestøl later acknowledged that he had worded the information incorrectly. Speaking to Dagbladet, he explained that his intention had simply been to indicate that Mette-Marit had already undergone surgery by the time of the match.
He also clarified that he did not know the exact date of the transplant or the circumstances surrounding the donor's death.
As a result, the controversial passage will be removed from the audiobook and e-book versions. It will also be excluded from future print editions.
The Royal Court Announced The Successful Procedure In June
On June 17, 2026, the Norwegian Royal Court announced that the Crown Princess had undergone a lung transplant at Rikshospitalet in Oslo. The palace stated that the procedure had been successful so far, but did not disclose the exact date of the operation.
The match between Norway and Iraq took place in Boston and ended in a 4–1 victory for Norway. Due to the time difference, it was already June 17 in Norway when the game took place.
Mette-Marit Has Been Living With Pulmonary Fibrosis Since 2018
What is known is that Mette-Marit has been living with pulmonary fibrosis since 2018 and received a lung transplant in June 2026. However, the donor's identity and the exact date of the operation have remained confidential.
The book's publisher, Gyldendal, announced that it would correct the passage and confirmed that the royal family had been informed of the matter. The palace has not yet publicly commented on the controversy.
