Norway's Crown Princess Faces Lung Transplant

The Royal House of Norway announced on December 19, 2025, that Crown Princess Mette-Marit is undergoing assessment for a lung transplant. The 52-year-old royal has been diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition causing lung scarring that impairs oxygen intake. Physicians at Rikshospitalet University Hospital have observed a clear deterioration in her health, initiating preparations for a potential transplant.

Professor Martin Holm stated that a lung transplant is likely necessary and that preparations are underway. While a decision on when the Crown Princess will be placed on the transplant waiting list has not been made, her health requires increased rest and a targeted exercise regimen. Despite this, she has expressed a strong desire to continue her royal duties, with her schedule being adapted accordingly.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit's diagnosis of chronic pulmonary fibrosis was first announced in October 2018. The condition, which can worsen over time and is often irreparable, has seen progression. In October of this year, she took time off for pulmonary rehabilitation, a step she stated was necessary to manage daily life with the disease.