Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is expected to undergo a lung transplant after a significant deterioration in her health, the royal household has announced.
The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The chronic condition causes scarring of the lungs and limits the body’s ability to absorb oxygen.
In a statement, the palace said medical examinations carried out over recent months showed a clear decline in the crown princess’s health.
“It has not yet been decided when the crown princess will be placed on the transplant waiting list,” the statement said.
Professor Are Martin Holm of Oslo University Hospital’s pulmonary unit confirmed that preparations are already underway.
“We are approaching the time when a lung transplant must be performed, and we are making the necessary preparations so that it will be possible when that time comes,” he said.
The announcement has prompted widespread concern in Norway, where the public continues to closely follow updates on the crown princess’s condition.
