Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit Placed on Lung Transplant Waiting List Amid Worsening Health
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant after a significant deterioration in her health, marking a serious escalation in her long-standing battle with a rare lung disease.
The 52-year-old royal was diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that causes progressive scarring of the lungs and increasingly severe breathing difficulties. The condition has previously forced her to reduce official engagements and take extended medical leave.
Condition Has Worsened in Recent Months
According to lung specialist Are Holm of Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, the Crown Princess’s condition has deteriorated sharply over the past six months.
“There has been a significant increase in scar tissue in her lungs over the past year, and lung function tests show a considerable decline in the last three months,” Holm said during a press briefing.
Pulmonary fibrosis causes the lung tissue to become thick and stiff, reducing oxygen transfer into the bloodstream and making breathing progressively more difficult.
Holm described the situation as “serious” and confirmed that the Crown Princess has now been placed on the transplant waiting list.
Why a Transplant Is Being Considered
Doctors explained that placement on a lung transplant list is reserved for patients in advanced stages of the disease, typically those with an estimated survival of around one year without surgery, but who are still strong enough to undergo a major operation.
However, there is no guarantee of timing or priority. A suitable donor match — based on blood type and organ size — must be found, and allocation depends on medical urgency.
Authorities noted that waiting times for lung transplants have recently improved, though uncertainty remains.
Impact on Royal Duties
The Norwegian Royal Court said the Crown Princess will be unable to carry out official duties for the foreseeable future. Her condition is also expected to affect the workload of Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway and other members of the royal family.
The palace had previously indicated in December that a transplant might become necessary.
Several official engagements have already been adjusted, including the postponement of the couple’s silver wedding anniversary celebrations scheduled for August 2026. They will also be unable to attend the Swedish royal couple’s golden wedding anniversary in Stockholm.
Family and Recent Public Appearances
The Crown Prince recently cut short an overseas visit to Japan to be with his wife, while their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, returned from her studies in Australia to remain in Norway during her mother’s illness.
In recent public appearances, the Crown Princess has been seen using supplemental oxygen support.
A Difficult Period for the Royal Family
The announcement comes during a challenging time for the royal household. Earlier this year, documents revealed past contact between the Crown Princess and convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014, which drew public scrutiny.
Separately, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently facing trial on rape charges, which he denies. A verdict in the case is expected on June 15.
Høiby’s legal team had reportedly requested temporary release pending the verdict due to his mother’s condition, but the request was rejected, leaving the decision to the court.
As the Crown Princess begins this critical phase of treatment, the Royal Court says her focus will remain on her health and recovery while official duties are significantly reduced.
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