Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon has offered a reassuring update on the health of his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, revealing that her recovery is progressing but remains a lengthy process following her recent lung transplant.
Speaking during a visit to Krokstadelva, where he met emergency crews responding to the devastating Drammen wildfire, the Crown Prince was asked how the Princess was doing. He responded with optimism, saying her condition continues to improve, while emphasizing that the journey ahead will require patience and time.
The transplant took place on June 17 after doctors determined that Mette-Marit’s chronic lung disease had worsened. Earlier in the month, the Norwegian Royal House confirmed that the 52-year-old royal had been placed on a transplant waiting list and had canceled upcoming official engagements because of her declining health.
Mette-Marit has lived with chronic pulmonary fibrosis since revealing her diagnosis in 2018. In recent months, she had noticeably reduced her public schedule, and during several appearances she was seen using supplemental oxygen as her condition became more challenging.
Doctors at Oslo University Hospital reported that the transplant procedure was successful, and specialists have remained encouraged by her early progress. As with all transplant recipients, the Crown Princess has spent several weeks in hospital while doctors closely monitor her recovery, adjust medications and begin rehabilitation to help her regain strength.
The royal family’s priorities have also shifted in response to Mette-Marit’s health. Princess Ingrid Alexandra recently changed her academic plans, choosing to continue part of her university studies in Oslo instead of remaining abroad so she can stay closer to her mother during recovery. Her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, is also expected to remain in Europe while beginning university this autumn.
Despite the family’s personal challenges, Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus continued to represent Norway internationally by attending events connected to the country’s remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign.
At the same time, the Norwegian royal family has faced another difficult chapter involving Mette-Marit’s eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby. His recent criminal conviction has drawn significant public attention, although the Crown Princess has not commented publicly on the case. Crown Prince Haakon has previously expressed sympathy for everyone affected while stressing his confidence in Norway’s justice system.
For now, the royal family’s main focus remains Mette-Marit’s health. Although doctors are pleased with her progress so far, both medical experts and Crown Prince Haakon acknowledge that recovering from a lung transplant is a long and demanding process that will continue over the coming months.
