Health Update on Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
Due to worsening pulmonary fibrosis—first diagnosed in 2018—Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on the lung transplant waiting list. The 52-year-old royal’s lung function has declined significantly. According to her physician, Dr. Are Holm, the decision to list her for a transplant followed a comprehensive medical evaluation. Until a suitable donor is found, she will be unable to carry out her official duties.
In response, Crown Prince Haakon cut short his official visit to Japan and returned to Oslo. The couple has also postponed their silver wedding anniversary celebrations, originally scheduled for August of this year. Mette-Marit and Haakon are marking 25 years of marriage in 2023. Due to her health, she will not participate in the planned tour of Norway in September.
Family Changes and Public Engagement
The family is navigating other transitions as well. Their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, recently returned from Australia, while their son, Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, is set to begin studies in Europe. Despite her health challenges, Mette-Marit remains active in public life. She has served as a UNAIDS Special Ambassador since 2006, and in 2015, she co-founded the Maverick Collective initiative with Melinda Gates, which aims to support women and girls worldwide.
In October 2025, Mette-Marit met with Olena Zelenska. Through the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, over 1,700 children have been returned home. However, the family has also faced other difficulties: the Crown Princess’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently on trial for rape. These events unfold against the backdrop of major changes in the Crown Princess’s life, as she continues to remain engaged in public affairs despite her health struggles.
The situation surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit highlights the importance of attending to the health of public figures and how such factors impact their activities.
The postponement of official events and shifts in family life underscore the severity of her condition and the need for support from loved ones and the public. These developments may also influence public perceptions of the Norwegian monarchy, as the lives of royals always draw attention and spark discussion. Equally important is how the family manages personal challenges while balancing public responsibilities.
As the health of European royals continues to make headlines, it's worth noting that Denmark's Queen Margrethe has also faced serious health challenges, recently being hospitalized due to a major blood clot. These incidents highlight the pressures and vulnerabilities that come with royal duties, especially amid personal and public responsibilities.