Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit successfully undergoes lung transplant, palace says

Wednesday 17 June 2026 - 09:15

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has successfully undergone a lung transplant and is currently recovering, according to an official statement from the Norwegian royal household. The announcement has drawn widespread public attention, as the princess has been a prominent figure in Norway’s royal family for more than two decades.

The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, has been battling pulmonary fibrosis since 2018. The chronic condition causes progressive scarring of lung tissue, which significantly reduces breathing capacity and oxygen intake over time. It is considered a serious and life-limiting illness in advanced stages.

Medical authorities at Oslo University Hospital recently confirmed that the Crown Princess had been placed on a transplant waiting list after a marked deterioration in her health. Doctors had previously indicated that, without surgical intervention, her condition could have become critical within a relatively short period.

The royal household stated that the lung transplant procedure was carried out successfully and that Mette-Marit is now in a recovery phase under close medical supervision. No further detailed updates on her long-term prognosis have yet been released.

Public reaction in Norway has been one of concern and support, reflecting the Crown Princess’s long-standing public role and involvement in social and humanitarian initiatives. Over the years, she has been active in promoting cultural projects, health awareness, and charitable causes both domestically and internationally.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare but serious lung disease that progressively impairs respiratory function. In severe cases, lung transplantation remains one of the few treatment options capable of significantly extending life expectancy and improving quality of life.

As the Crown Princess begins her recovery, the Norwegian royal family is expected to maintain a reduced public schedule to ensure her continued medical care and rehabilitation. Further updates are anticipated from the palace in the coming weeks as her condition stabilizes.