Haakon shortens trip, pulmonologists worriedPrincess Mette-Marit's condition is apparently deteriorating significantly

Mette-Marit's lung disease continues to progress

The images touched many Norwegians: Was at public meetings Crown Princess Mette-Marit have recently become more and more dependent on oxygen support. Especially during her most recent appearance on the national holiday on May 17th, it was clear how much the illness was affecting her. The 52-year-old has been suffering from chronic pulmonary fibrosis for years – an incurable disease in which healthy lung tissue gradually becomes scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. Current reports from Norway are now making people sit up and take notice: the disease is expected to continue to progress.

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Estimates from lung experts who spoke to the Norwegian newspaper VG are particularly alarming. “We have seen that she requires oxygen and that she has to take breaks and leave events. This suggests that the disease is evolving and that she is having less and less strength and breath”said pulmonologist Olav Kåre Refvem about Mette-Marit's health. The development of the disease suggests that the available treatment options have not yet been able to stop the progression of the incurable disease. If lung function continues to decline, a transplant could be necessary in the long term.

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Tomas Mikal Eagan, professor and chief physician of the pulmonary department at Haukeland University Hospital, also told the Norwegian newspaper: “A lung transplant is the last resort.” This procedure is considered in particularly severe stages of the disease, “when the disease has progressed to such an extent that life expectancy is low regardless of medical treatment”.

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Norwegian royal family very worried

The Norwegian royal family had already confirmed at the end of 2025 that concrete preparations had been initiated for a possible lung transplant. Mette-Marit's doctors were examining various scenarios, it was said.

Crown Prince Haakon Finally made no secret of his concern. In rare candid words, he told Norwegian media that his wife's condition had “deteriorated significantly” recently. The heir to the throne even shortened an official trip abroad to Japan in order to be able to return to his family more quickly.

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For Mette-Marit, the illness has long meant massive restrictions in everyday life. Public appointments have to be canceled at short notice, periods of rest and medical care increasingly determine their daily routine. Experts explain that patients with advanced pulmonary fibrosis often experience shortness of breath, fatigue and a significant lack of oxygen.

Despite all the worries, the Crown Princess continues to be combative. She often takes on royal duties when her health permits. But the latest assessments by specialists make it clear: the path is not getting any easier for Mette-Marit. The hope now rests on the fact that the medical measures can stabilize the course of the disease for as long as possible – and that the Crown Princess will find the strength to continue her difficult fight.

Sources used: VG, Bunte