Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit likely needs lung transplant
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been told by doctors that she will likely need a lung transplant after her health deteriorated significantly due to a chronic condition, the Royal Palace in Oslo confirmed in a formal statement. The 52-year-old princess, who has lived with pulmonary fibrosis a serious lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue and makes breathing increasingly difficult has seen her condition worsen this year, prompting medical teams to begin preparations for a potential transplant.
In the palace announcement, physicians at Rikshospitalet University Hospital said recent tests showed a “clear negative development” in her lungs, and that the next step would be a thorough evaluation for transplant eligibility. While no official timeline has been set for placing her on a transplant waiting list, doctors explained that preparations are underway so that surgery can take place as soon as a suitable donor organ becomes available.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit first revealed her diagnosis in 2018 and has since balanced her health challenges with royal engagements, though she has reduced her schedule and taken time for pulmonary rehabilitation in recent months. In her statement, she said she had hoped medication and therapy would slow the progression of the illness, but that it has advanced faster than expected.
Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, described how the family has observed her increasing difficulty breathing, even as she continues to carry out adjusted official duties. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre publicly offered support, praising the princess’s openness and suggesting her experience could offer solidarity to others facing similar health challenges.
The announcement has drawn international attention as the princess prepares for what would be a major surgical procedure, reflecting both the seriousness of pulmonary fibrosis and the careful planning involved in major organ transplants.
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