OSLO — Norway’s royal household said on Friday that Crown Princess Mette-Marit may require a lung transplant after a significant deterioration in her health in recent months.

The 52-year-old princess was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a progressive and incurable lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult and limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the bloodstream.

In a statement, the palace said medical tests carried out in the autumn showed “a clear worsening” of her condition. Dr. Are Martin Holm, head of respiratory medicine at Oslo University Hospital, said doctors were now approaching “the point where a lung transplant will be necessary.”

Speaking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, the princess said her illness had developed “faster than I’d hoped.”

No final decision has yet been made on whether Crown Princess Mette-Marit will be placed on a transplant waiting list. Dr. Holm said her medical team has begun the process of evaluating her suitability for a lung transplant and is making preparations so that surgery can be considered when the time comes.

Local media reported that in Norway there are typically between 20 and 40 patients waiting for a lung transplant, and that the crown princess would not receive preferential treatment if she is added to the list.

The palace said the princess now has an increased need for rest and a carefully tailored exercise programme. While she has expressed a strong desire to continue fulfilling her royal duties, her official schedule will be adjusted to reflect her health condition.

Dr. Holm described pulmonary fibrosis as a “dangerous disease” whose severity is not always immediately visible. Patients may appear well at rest, he explained, but struggle significantly during physical activity as their lungs can no longer meet the body’s demands.

Crown Prince Haakon, Norway’s future king, said in the NRK interview that his wife may look fine when sitting still, but he has noticed increasing difficulty with breathing, reduced energy levels and more frequent illness.

He added that activities the couple once enjoyed together, such as hiking and skiing, are no longer possible.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit said the prospect of a lung transplant was emotionally demanding, noting the risks involved, including organ rejection and complications.

Dr. Holm emphasized that transplantation is considered a last resort, typically only when a patient is severely ill and has a limited life expectancy without surgery.

The update on the princess’s health comes amid a challenging period for the royal family, following legal proceedings involving her eldest son, though the palace statement focused solely on her medical condition and ongoing care. — Agencies