The Norwegian royal household announced on December 19, 2025, that Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon and future queen consort, is facing the prospect of a lung transplant due to a significant decline in her condition from chronic pulmonary fibrosis
Diagnosed in 2018, the 52-year-old princess has seen her rare form of the disease—characterized by irreversible lung scarring that impairs oxygen uptake—progress more rapidly than expected in recent months.
Medical tests conducted this autumn revealed a "clear worsening" in her health, prompting specialists at Oslo University Hospital's Rikshospitalet to initiate preparations for a transplant evaluation.
Professor Are Martin Holm, head of respiratory medicine, stated: "We are approaching the time when a lung transplant will be necessary, and we are undertaking the necessary preparations to ensure that this will be possible when the time comes." No timeline has yet been set for placing her on the waiting list, and she would receive no preferential treatment.
In a candid interview with NRK, the princess shared: "I had hoped to keep this illness in check with medicines... but now it's gone more rapidly than both I and the doctors had anticipated." Crown Prince Haakon noted noticeable changes, including increased breathing difficulties and reduced energy, adding that shared activities like hiking are no longer feasible.
Despite the challenges, Mette-Marit expressed a strong desire to continue her official duties, with her schedule adapted accordingly.
The announcement, just days after her public appearance at a nursing home visit with family on December 17... ..and following the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on December 10... ...has elicited widespread support across Norway. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised her openness, saying it could raise awareness for others with similar conditions, while wishing her a speedy recovery.
The news adds to a difficult year for the royal family but highlights Mette-Marit's resilience in managing her health publicly.
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