Crown Princess Mette-Marit's condition is 'life-threatening', says Palace – as it's revealed she's on lung transplant waiting list

Crown Princess Mette Marit has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant, the Norwegian Palace revealed on Friday. 

In a statement updating press on the health of Norway's future Queen, the Palace stressed that her condition is "serious" and she requires the transplant as "soon as possible". 

Mette-Marit, 52, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, an incurable condition that causes the lungs to become scarred and makes breathing increasingly difficult. 

She has been seen using oxygen during recent public engagements and, earlier this week, was seen arriving at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. 

Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, has adjusted his schedule to be by her side and shortened his official trip to Japan this week to return home early. In addition, the couple has postponed their silver wedding anniversary celebrations, which had been scheduled for August.  

Meanwhile, Mette-Marit's daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, has flown home from her studies at the University of Sydney to be with her mother, Prince Haakon, and younger brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 20.  

Official statement from the Palace – in full

In an update on Friday morning, the Norwegian Palace said: "The Crown Princess is on the lung transplant waiting list.

"As a result of her life-threatening chronic lung disease and following exhaustive health examinations, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

"The Crown Princess's lung condition is serious. Following a joint medical evaluation, she has now been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant as soon as possible, says lung specialist Dr. Are Holm of Rikshospitalet.

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"While awaiting surgery, the Crown Princess will be unable to work or carry out her official duties as normal. Her health condition also has implications for the schedule and activities of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess's family.

"The Crown Prince and Princess have postponed their silver wedding anniversary celebrations, which were planned for August 2026, and the Crown Princess will not participate in the planned provincial tour in September. The Crown Prince will adjust his schedule going forward to allow him more time to spend with the Crown Princess during this period.

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"Among other things, he will limit long-distance travel both within Norway and abroad in the period before and after the operation. Therefore, the Crown Prince will not participate in the Swedish royal couple's golden wedding anniversary celebrations in Stockholm on June 13 as planned.

"To be closer to her family, Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra has returned to Norway and will be an exchange student at the University of Sydney and the University of Oslo during the fall semester of 2026. Prince Sverre Magnus will study in Europe as planned from the fall onwards and will return home to Norway when the situation requires."

Hospital visit 

Mette-Marit of Norway was seen arriving at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, on Thursday. Carrying oxygen, as in her recent public appearances, she was accompanied by her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, who returned early from his trip to Japan, and their daughter, Ingrid Alexandra.

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The family arrived at the medical center around 2 pm. They remained there for approximately three hours. The exact reason for their visit to the hospital is unknown, but it followed reports that the Crown Princess's condition had worsened.

Changing schedule

This week, Prince Haakon shortened his trip to Japan to accompany his wife, as announced by the Royal House in a statement: "Prince Haakon will maintain his full official agenda in Tokyo from June 1 to 3, while the visit to the port city of Hachinohe, scheduled for June 4, is cancelled," they specified.

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The new statement has revealed that the family's immediate schedule has also been altered. Not only will Mette-Marit be unable to work, but the Crown Prince's engagements will also be modified to accommodate the delicate situation and allow him to be with his wife. 

He will avoid travel both within and outside Norway before and after the transplant. The news confirms his absence from King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden's golden wedding anniversary celebrations on June 13 in Stockholm. Haakon and Mette-Marit will also have to postpone their own silver wedding anniversary celebrations, initially scheduled for next August.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra returns to Norway

Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who moved to Australia last summer to study for a degree in Social Sciences at the University of Sydney, recently returned to Norway to be with her mother. 

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According to the statement from the Royal Court, the 22-year-old princess plans to stay at home for a while, participating in an exchange program at the University of Oslo during the first semester of the next academic year.

Sverre Magnus, the 20-year-old youngest son of Haakon and Mette-Marit of Norway, intends to go ahead with his plans and study in Europe in the autumn, but will travel back when necessary. 

Critical situation

As the statement announcing Mette-Marit's placement on the transplant list emphasises, "the Crown Princess's lung condition is serious". Her delicate health has been a source of concern in Norway recently, and Haakon of Norway declared at the recent Abel Prize ceremony in Oslo that she is "seriously ill" and "getting worse". 

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The Crown Prince did not hide his concern for her, telling press: "I'm worried about her health. She uses oxygen daily, and that helps a little." 

The Norwegian Palace previously revealed in December that the Crown Princess was set to undergo a transplant, and evaluations were taking place to discuss potential surgery. 

However, the situation has become increasingly urgent in recent months.