Oslo, June 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway has been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant following a deterioration in her health due to an incurable lung disease, the Royal Palace announced on Friday, according to media reports.
The 52-year-old Crown Princess was diagnosed in 2018 with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive condition that causes severe breathing difficulties and has repeatedly required her to reduce official engagements and take medical leave.
In a statement issued by the Palace, lung specialist Are Holm of Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet said the progression of her illness is “serious” and confirmed that, following a comprehensive medical evaluation, she has been placed on the transplant waiting list to undergo a lung transplant as soon as a suitable organ becomes available.
The Palace further stated that, while awaiting the procedure, the Crown Princess will be unable to perform her official duties. It added that her health condition would also affect the workload and responsibilities of Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway and other members of the royal family.
Officials had already indicated in December that a lung transplant might be required. The couple’s silver wedding anniversary celebrations scheduled for August 2026 have now been postponed. The Crown Princess will also be unable to attend the Swedish royal couple’s golden wedding anniversary in Stockholm on June 13.
Crown Prince Haakon recently shortened an official trip to Japan to return to Norway and be with his wife. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, has also paused her studies in social sciences at the University of Sydney and is expected to remain in Oslo throughout the autumn.
In recent public appearances, the Crown Princess has been seen using a breathing tube connected to an oxygen device carried by a palace aide.
The Crown Princess, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, has faced additional public scrutiny in recent months. Previously released documents revealed her friendship and frequent contact between 2011 and 2014 with convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Separately, her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently facing trial on rape charges, which he denies. A verdict in the case is expected on June 15. His lawyer said he has requested release pending the verdict due to his mother’s health condition, according to Norwegian media reports.
