Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is preparing for a lung transplant after doctors confirmed a significant deterioration in her health, the royal household announced on Friday, marking a serious new phase in her long-running battle with chronic lung disease.
The 52-year-old princess, wife of Crown Prince Haakon and future queen of Norway, was diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive condition that causes scarring of lung tissue and steadily reduces the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. While she has continued to carry out royal duties in recent years, her condition has worsened despite ongoing treatment.
“This autumn, several tests have been performed that show a clear negative development in the crown princess’s health,” the palace said in a formal statement, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Medical specialists now believe the time is approaching when a transplant will be necessary. Although Mette-Marit has not yet been officially placed on the lung transplant waiting list, preparations are underway to ensure she is ready when that moment comes.
“We are approaching the time when a lung transplant must be performed,” said Professor Are Martin Holm of Oslo University Hospital’s pulmonary unit. “We are making the necessary preparations so that it will be possible when that time comes.”
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and incurable disease, and lung transplantation is often considered only when other treatment options can no longer slow the progression. Transplants are complex procedures that require extensive evaluation and long-term follow-up, making early preparation essential.
The announcement has drawn widespread attention in Norway, where Mette-Marit is a well-known and often admired public figure. Over the years, she has spoken openly about living with chronic illness, earning praise for her transparency and resilience while balancing health challenges with public service.
The royal household has not indicated whether the crown princess will reduce her official engagements further, though her schedule has already been adjusted in recent years to accommodate her health.
For now, officials emphasize that no immediate timeline has been set, but the message is clear: Norway’s future queen is entering a critical stage of treatment, one that will require careful planning, patience, and national attention in the months ahead.