Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant as her battle with a chronic lung disease becomes increasingly serious, the Norwegian royal household has announced.
The 52-year-old royal, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has lived with pulmonary fibrosis since revealing her diagnosis in 2018. The progressive disease causes scarring of the lungs and can make breathing increasingly difficult over time.
In a statement released by the palace, officials confirmed that the princess’s condition has worsened, prompting doctors to recommend that she be added to the transplant waiting list.
“The progression of The Crown Princess’s lung disease is serious,” consultant lung specialist Are Holm said.
“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.”
As a result of her health challenges, Crown Princess Mette-Marit will temporarily step back from official engagements while awaiting treatment and preparing for the recovery process.
The royal household also announced that Crown Prince Haakon will adjust his schedule to spend more time supporting his wife during this period.
The princess’s health situation has already affected family plans. Celebrations marking the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary have been postponed, while Mette-Marit has also withdrawn from a planned nationwide tour scheduled for later this year.
Meanwhile, the royal couple’s daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, has returned from Australia and will continue her studies in Oslo. Their son, Prince Sverre Magnus, is also expected to return home whenever necessary to support the family.
Mette-Marit became Crown Princess of Norway after marrying Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. The couple first met at a music festival in 1999, and their wedding attracted global attention, drawing millions of viewers around the world.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from Norwegians and royal watchers internationally, as the Crown Princess prepares for what could be a life-saving transplant procedure.