Concern is growing for Crown Princess Mette-Marit. On Friday, the Norwegian royal court announced that the 52-year-old has officially been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant, marking a significant development in her ongoing health battle.
Mette-Marit has lived with pulmonary fibrosis for years, a chronic condition that causes progressive scarring of the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult. While it had been known that a transplant might eventually become necessary, it has now been confirmed that the procedure is needed as soon as possible.
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Mette-Marit Added to Lung Transplant Waiting List
The royal court described the situation as serious. “The progression of The Crown Princess's lung disease is serious. Following a comprehensive medical assessment, she has now been placed on the waiting list for patients who will undergo a lung transplant as soon as a suitable donor becomes available,” said her physician and lung specialist, Are Holm.
As a result, Mette-Marit will step back from official duties and public engagements while awaiting further treatment.
Ingrid Alexandra Returns Home to Support Her Mother
The impact of the diagnosis is already being felt across the royal family. Princess Ingrid Alexandra recently returned from Australia, where she has been studying, and will now transfer her studies from the University of Sydney to the University of Oslo beginning in the fall of 2026.
Prince Sverre Magnus is also adjusting his future plans. He is expected to begin studies in Europe later this year but may return to Norway depending on family circumstances. Crown Prince Haakon is likewise modifying his schedule to spend more time with his wife during this critical period.
Hospital Visit With Haakon and Ingrid Alexandra
Mette-Marit was briefly seen at Oslo’s Rikshospitalet on Thursday, accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The family remained at the hospital for approximately two and a half hours before leaving.
At the time, it was unclear whether the visit was routine or urgent. It has since emerged that the appointment included final medical evaluations and important consultations ahead of her placement on the transplant waiting list. The presence of both her husband and daughter underscored the family’s close support during this challenging time.
Family Plans Put on Hold
The Crown Princess’s health has also forced the family to reconsider several long-term plans. Celebrations for Haakon and Mette-Marit’s silver wedding anniversary, originally scheduled for August 2026, have been postponed. Mette-Marit will also miss a planned regional tour later this year.
The royal court acknowledged that her condition will affect much of the Crown Prince family’s upcoming schedule. For the foreseeable future, public appearances by Mette-Marit are expected to be extremely limited as her focus remains on medical treatment, recovery, and the support of her loved ones.
