Queen Mette-Marit of Norway has been forced to miss a significant royal engagement due to ongoing health issues following her lung transplant earlier this year. The 53-year-old monarch was unable to attend the ceremonial opening of the 171st Storting, Norway’s national parliament, on 2 October 2026, due to a respiratory infection.
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King Haakon, 53, represented the royal family at the event in Oslo, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra stepping in for her mother. The 22-year-old took her place at the Head of State’s side during the legislative ceremony, which saw President Masud Gharahkhani officially open the session.
Since her lung transplant in June, Queen Mette-Marit has faced complications that have required multiple hospital visits to Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, for follow-up care. Dr. Are Holm, head of pulmonology at Rikshospitalet, stated that while the Queen is actively participating in scheduled rehabilitation sessions, she is still in a lengthy recovery period, which is expected to last around a year.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s role at the Storting marks a new chapter in the Norwegian monarchy, given her recent ascendance to heir apparent following her father’s succession. This transition has been underscored by the Crown Princess’s increasing visibility in royal duties, especially in her mother’s absence due to health issues.
Queen Mette-Marit’s recent health challenges have also disrupted her participation in events following the passing of her father-in-law, King Harald, who died on 28 August. She was unable to attend the memorial service held at Asker Church on 30 August, although she rejoined the royal family for a procession at the Royal Palace the following day.
On 1 September, the Queen had to withdraw from another important event—the swearing-in ceremony for King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Reports indicated that her absence was attributed to complications stemming from her lung transplant, with medical professionals noting that such post-operative issues are not uncommon.
Despite these setbacks, she managed to attend the state funeral of King Harald on 9 September at Oslo Cathedral, where she sat alongside King Haakon, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and other prominent members of the royal family. In a notable moment during the service, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was also present despite currently serving house arrest following a conviction for serious crimes.
As Queen Mette-Marit continues her recovery, the royal family remains a vital symbol of stability and continuity in Norway. Her ongoing health challenges have placed significant demands on the King and Crown Princess as they navigate their roles in the monarchy while providing support to the Queen during her rehabilitation process.
The royal family’s commitment and adaptability during this challenging time reflect not only their resilient spirit but also their dedication to public service in the face of personal adversity. With the Crown Princess stepping into more responsibilities, there is a sense of optimism regarding the continuity of royal duties within Norway’s constitutional framework.
As the Queen focuses on her health, the Norwegian public remains supportive, hoping for her swift recovery. With her resilience and dedication to her royal duties, many anticipate her eventual return to public life and the ongoing contributions she will make to the nation.