Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Health Declines Amid Chronic Lung Condition
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has experienced a worsening of her health due to a long-standing chronic lung condition, as revealed by her husband, Crown Prince Haakon. During a visit to the University of Oslo in late-May, the future king expressed his concerns about his wife’s well-being.
“The Crown Princess is seriously ill and I think she has gotten a little worse lately, so I am worried about her health,” he said. “She uses oxygen in her everyday life and it helps a little but it is not a perfect solution.”
The Crown Princess was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. This condition causes scarring in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe and transfer oxygen to the blood. Her struggles with the illness have been evident in public appearances, including one on Norwegian Constitution Day in May 2026, where she was seen using an oxygen tank alongside her son, Prince Sverre Magnus, and her husband.
Her eldest son, Marius Borg Hoiby, was not present at the event, likely due to his ongoing legal proceedings after being charged with rape and assault. The royal family also faced media attention earlier this year when details of the Crown Princess’ past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein were disclosed.
Impact of Health on Royal Duties
The Crown Princess’ health has significantly influenced her role within the royal family. In March 2026, she emphasized the importance of the monarchy in Norway and expressed hope that trust in the institution would not be diminished.
“I have great faith in the importance of the monarchy in Norway. And I have great faith that trust is one of the finest values of our society. And I really hope that over time this does not weaken trust in the institution. That would be very sad for me,” she stated during an interview.
In October 2026, the Crown Princess underwent a month of pulmonary rehabilitation, which led her to step back from official duties. The Royal House announced that she would not carry out official assignments in October, although some exceptions were planned, such as a dinner for representatives of the Storting at the Royal Palace on October 23.
By December, her medical team began assessing whether a lung transplant might be necessary. However, it was clarified that her status as a member of the royal family would not influence her position on the transplant waitlist.
Public Engagement and Personal Struggles
Despite her health challenges, the Crown Princess maintained a low profile until late January, when she joined her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, at Oslo City Hall for an event with 800 school students advocating against racism. Shortly after, the couple visited Akershuskaia in Oslo to commemorate International Holocaust Day.
During an event at the Norwegian Folk Museum in 2025, the Crown Princess shared insights into her condition. She noted that her health had deteriorated in the previous year, which forced her to take a temporary break from her duties.
“I should have done it a long time ago, but now is the time,” she said, according to Hola! magazine. “So I’m going to do it, because I need a little more help than before to cope with daily life with pulmonary fibrosis.”
She expressed a desire to connect with others who suffer from the same lung disease and to gain better control over managing her daily life with the chronic illness.
Adjustments to Royal Responsibilities
In March, the Royal House of Norway confirmed that the Crown Princess’ condition had progressed, leading to adjustments in her royal duties. The statement highlighted that she experiences daily symptoms that affect her ability to perform her responsibilities.
“The Crown Princess has daily symptoms and ailments that affect her ability to perform her duties. The Crown Princess needs more rest, and her daily routine changes more quickly than before,” the statement read.
“It is clear that the Crown Princess has a strong desire to continue working, and therefore, we will organise her official program in the future in the best possible way so that her health and work can be combined.”
