Norway’s royal family announced on Friday that Crown Princess Mette-Marit will require a lung transplant following a deterioration in her health over recent months.
The 52-year-old princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The chronic disease causes scarring of the lungs and reduces the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, often worsening over time.
In a statement, the Royal Palace said medical examinations carried out in recent months showed a clear and negative progression in the Crown Princess’s condition, prompting doctors to recommend a lung transplant.
Speaking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, Princess Mette-Marit said she had hoped to manage the illness with medication and that its progression had been very slow for several years. However, she said the disease has recently advanced more rapidly than both she and her doctors had expected.
The Royal Palace said a decision has not yet been made on when the Crown Princess will be placed on the transplant waiting list.
Mette-Marit, a prominent figure in Norway’s public life, has continued to carry out official duties while managing her illness, although her schedule has been adjusted in recent years due to health concerns.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of public support in Norway, where the royal family remains widely respected. Health officials note that lung transplantation is considered when other treatments are no longer sufficient to manage advanced pulmonary disease.
The palace said further updates on the Crown Princess’s condition will be provided as medical decisions are finalized.
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