Norway’s Crown Princess Faces Lung Transplant Evaluation Amid Worsening Health, Palace Confirms

Norway’s Royal Court announced on Friday that Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, is preparing for the possibility of a lung transplant following a marked deterioration in her long‑standing chronic lung disease. The update represents the most serious development in the princess’s health since she publicly disclosed her diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.

According to the palace, a series of medical tests conducted this autumn revealed “a clear worsening” of the Crown Princess’s condition, prompting specialists at Rikshospitalet University Hospital in Oslo to begin the formal evaluation process for transplant surgery.

“We are reaching the point where a lung transplant will be necessary, and we are undertaking the necessary preparations to ensure that this will be possible when the time comes,” said Professor Are Martin Holm, head of pulmonary medicine at the hospital, in a statement released by the palace.

A Progressive and Incurable Condition

Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare and incurable disease that causes scarring of lung tissue, reducing the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen. The condition often progresses slowly, but can accelerate unpredictably, leading to severe breathing difficulties and reduced quality of life. The Crown Princess has previously spoken about the challenges of managing the illness, including the need to limit her public engagements and undergo periods of rehabilitation.

In October, she stepped back from royal duties for a month to participate in an intensive pulmonary rehabilitation programme, an indication that her symptoms had become increasingly difficult to manage.

No Timeline Yet for Transplant Listing

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the palace emphasised that no decision has yet been made regarding when the Crown Princess will be placed on the official transplant waiting list. The evaluation process itself can take time, involving extensive medical assessments to determine suitability and readiness for surgery.

Holm noted that preparations are underway so that a transplant can proceed as soon as it becomes medically necessary and feasible.

A Trying Period for the Royal Family

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne, has long been regarded as one of the most visible and active members of the royal family. Her illness has forced significant adjustments to her schedule over the past several years, though she has continued to participate in key national and ceremonial events when her health allows.

In a recent interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the princess described the past months as “very trying,” acknowledging that she had hoped medication would keep the disease stable for longer. “The progression has been quite slow until now, but it has worsened recently,” she said.

Public Support and Next Steps

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from across Norway, where the Crown Princess remains a popular figure. The Royal Court has not indicated when further updates will be provided, but said it will continue to share information as appropriate.

For now, the Crown Princess is expected to continue focusing on her health while undergoing the necessary evaluations and preparations for a potential transplant.