Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant after her chronic lung disease worsened, according to an official statement from the Norwegian royal household.
The 52-year-old princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has been battling pulmonary fibrosis since her diagnosis in 2018. The condition is a progressive and life-threatening lung disease with no known cure.
In a statement released by the palace, medical experts confirmed that her condition has now reached a critical stage.
“The progression of The Crown Princess’s lung disease is serious,” said Are Holm, a consultant lung specialist at Oslo’s Rikshospitalet. “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.”
The palace further confirmed that Princess Mette-Marit will be unable to carry out official duties for the foreseeable future while she awaits a donor.
Her health condition has also affected royal engagements, with Crown Prince Haakon adjusting his schedule to spend more time with his wife. The couple have postponed upcoming official events, including their silver wedding anniversary celebrations and parts of a planned royal tour.
Their children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, are also adjusting their schedules, with Ingrid Alexandra returning from Australia to continue her studies at the University of Oslo, while Sverre Magnus is expected to begin studies in Europe later this year.
The Crown Princess, who became part of the royal family after marrying Haakon in 2001, has often been in the public eye due to both her royal duties and personal life.
The royal family has recently faced additional public attention due to legal and personal controversies involving members of the extended family, further intensifying scrutiny around the monarchy.
Despite the challenges, the palace has emphasized that the Crown Princess is receiving the best possible medical care and support as she prepares for the next stage of treatment.
