Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is embarking on a challenging journey of recovery following her recent lung transplant, which took place last month. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, provided an update on her condition during a visit to Krokstadelva, where he engaged with local residents and rescue personnel working to combat a significant wildfire in the Drammen region.
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Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, expressed cautious optimism about his wife’s health, stating, “Fortunately, things are improving, thank you. But it’s only the beginning of a long road to recovery.” The Crown Princess, who is 52 years old, has faced increasingly difficult health challenges over recent years, culminating in her need for the transplant.
On June 17, the Royal House of Norway announced that Crown Princess Mette-Marit had successfully undergone a lung transplant. This surgical intervention came shortly after she was placed on a transplant waiting list, with her public engagements curtailed due to her declining health.
Mette-Marit has been living with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition she was diagnosed with back in 2018. Earlier this year, she was seen at public events using a nasal cannula to assist her breathing, which highlighted the gravity of her situation. Just days before her transplant, both she and her husband accompanied their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, to Rikshospitalet in Oslo, where the decision to place her on the waiting list was confirmed.
Following the transplant, medical professionals have reported positive progress. Dr. Arnt Fiane, the head of the Heart and Lung Transplant Programme at Oslo University Hospital, stated that the procedure had been “successful thus far.” He further acknowledged the efforts of the medical teams involved. Senior consultant Are Holm added that the Crown Princess will remain in hospital for several weeks as part of standard care for recent transplant recipients, which includes medication adjustments, potential complication management, and rehabilitation.
In recent weeks, Mette-Marit’s family dynamics have also seen notable changes. Her daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, recently returned from Australia, where she has been pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political economy at the University of Sydney. Ingrid has also expressed intentions to spend the fall semester of 2026 studying at the University of Oslo to be close to her family during this time.
Meanwhile, Ingrid’s younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, is anticipated to start his university studies this autumn, although he will remain in Europe to be available to support his family. Following their mother’s surgery, both siblings represented the royal family during Norway’s participation in the World Cup held in the United States, showcasing their commitment to royal duties amidst personal challenges.
Adding to the complexities of this period, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is also navigating the legal troubles involving her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby. In June, he was sentenced to four years in prison on two counts of rape and other offences. The Crown Princess has chosen not to comment publicly on her son’s conviction. Crown Prince Haakon did, however, address the issue in a statement from January, acknowledging the profound impact of the situation on everyone involved. He expressed sympathy for those affected and affirmed the importance of trust in the legal system to handle such serious matters appropriately.
As Crown Princess Mette-Marit focuses on her recovery, the royal family continues to carry out their public duties while supporting each other through this challenging time. The combination of health issues and family matters underscores the resilience required of the royal family as they navigate their responsibilities and personal trials.