Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is facing a major health battle, with preparations now underway for a life-changing lung transplant. The royal household confirmed the news following a significant and unexpected decline in her condition.
A Serious Decline in Health
The Crown Princess, who was first diagnosed with the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, has suffered what her doctors describe as a "clear negative development". Recent medical tests have shown the progression of her illness is accelerating more rapidly than was previously anticipated.
Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lung tissue, which severely reduces its ability to take in oxygen. The palace stated that while the precise timing for the transplant operation has not yet been finalised, all necessary preparations for the procedure are now being made in consultation with her medical team.
Balancing Duty and Recovery
Despite the serious nature of her condition and the major surgery she faces, the Crown Princess has expressed a strong desire to continue with her official royal duties as much as possible. In response, the royal household has confirmed that her official programme will be carefully adapted to accommodate her health situation and the demands of her treatment.
The update was issued by the palace on Friday 19 December 2025, underscoring the seriousness of this new phase in her long-term health journey.
What Comes Next for the Royal Family
The announcement places the future health of the 51-year-old future queen at the forefront of national concern in Norway. A lung transplant is a complex and serious procedure, followed by a lengthy period of recovery and immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection.
This development will inevitably lead to a period of reduced public visibility for Crown Princess Mette-Marit as she focuses on her treatment. It is expected that Crown Prince Haakon and other members of the royal family will take on additional engagements during this time. The news has drawn immediate sympathy and support from well-wishers in Norway and from royal observers across the globe, who have followed her dignified management of her health since the original diagnosis seven years ago.
