To close out a difficult year for the Norwegian Royal House, the Palace has issued an urgent statement announcing that Princess Mette-Marit’s respiratory illness has worsened. To counteract the illness, a lung transplant is now being considered.
© Getty ImagesThe 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a disease that causes scarring of the lungs, resulting in reduced oxygen absorption. In recent months, several tests have been carried out showing the Crown Princess' health decline.
Since her diagnosis became public, Mette-Marit has reduced her official schedule and taken periods of medical leave, both due to feeling unwell and to side effects of her medication. Still, the announcement surprised the world, with people not being aware of the extent of the damage to her respiratory system.
“We are approaching the point where a lung transplant may become necessary, and we are making the preparations required," said Are Martin Holm, head of department and professor of Pulmonology at Rikshospitalet.
"A decision has not yet been made as to when the Crown Princess will be placed on the transplant waiting list."
© Getty ImagesAdapted schedule
According to the Royal Household’s statement, “the Crown Princess increasingly needs rest and recovery, but at the same time she has a strong desire to continue working. Her schedule will be adapted so that her health condition and official duties can be balanced in the best possible way.”
This Friday, she is expected to attend a luncheon at the Royal Palace with her husband, King Harald, Queen Sonja, and her daughter, Princess Ingrid, alongside members of the Norwegian government. The Princess also played an active role in the recent Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall.
© LISE ASERUDEarlier, the pulmonologist treating the Princess explained at a press conference that there are typically between 20 and 40 patients on the transplant waiting list and that she does not have priority over them. He also noted that “it is still too early to place her on the transplant list, but her case is being closely monitored,” adding that “it is a major operation and it is frightening."
This news comes just days before the end of 2025, a year that has been exceptionally difficult for King Harald’s monarchy. In early February, the trial is set to begin against Marius Borg, the son Mette-Marit had before her marriage, who faces more than 30 criminal charges, including several counts of rape.
Success rate
In Norway, all lung transplants are performed at Rikshospitalet, with around 30 of them carried out each year. After a successful transplant, patients regain normal lung function and can lead normal lives. However, serious complications may arise during and after the procedure. The results for the operation have a rate of 85–90% for a one-year survival, and 70–75% for a five-year survival.
The most common conditions requiring lung transplants include COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and sarcoidosis.
© Getty Images
