After a Transplant: Norway's Royal Palace Shared the First Images of the Crown Princess Mette-Marit

June 17, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has undergone a successful lung transplant at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet in Oslo, The Royal House of Norway reported.

Arnt Fiane, Professor of Medicine at University of Oslo, cardiothoracic surgeon and Head of the Heart and Lung Transplant Programme at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitaletб confirmed this.

In accordance with standard practice for all recent transplant recipients, Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess was admitted to Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet for several weeks .

"This is a routine procedure to adjust medication, manage any potential complications, and undertake rehabilitation,” said Are Holm, Professor of Medicine at University of Oslo and Senior Consultant and respiratory specialist at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon l adjusted his official program in order to support the wife  during this period.

Mette-Marit was diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis which causes scarring of the lungs and shortness of breath and she had been forced to scale back her duties over the years.

In the beginning of June,2026 The Royal House of Norway reported  that the progression of The Crown Princess’s lung disease is serious. Following a comprehensive medical assessment, she has now been placed on the waiting list for patients who will undergo a lung transplant .

Royal Family Crisis

The Norwegian royal family once seemed like a fairy tale. But now the Norwegian monarchy is in crisis. Not because its future queen is gravely ill, although Mette-Marit is the name most often used in this context.

Norway’s monarchy has been hugely popular under King Harald who, at one point, had approval ratings of over 90%. But a series of problems  have led to dissatisfaction.

The Høiby Trial

Marius Borg Hoiby joined the royal family when his mother, Mette-Marit, married Norway's Crown Prince Haakon in 2001 - he was three years old at the time.

Høiby was first arrested in August, 2024 on charges of violence and vandalism that Høiby himself tied to his drug use.

"Marius Borg Høiby is not a member of the Royal House of Norway and is therefore autonomous. We care about him, and he is an important member of our family. He is a citizen of Norway and, as such, has the same responsibilities as everyone else — as well as the same rights.", stated to the Royal House.

June 2026, two days before the Crown  Princess transplantation, 29-years-old Høiby has been jailed for two rapes and   was sentenced to four years in prison.

He was also convicted of assault and abuse of women he was in a relationship with. One of the sex attacks was carried out in the crown prince's home.

Hoiby faced a total of 40 criminal charges, including lesser offences like assault, drug-related crimes and violations of a restraining order.

He pleaded not guilty to the most severe accusations against him, including those of rape and domestic violence, while admitting he was partially guilty - a plea allowed under Norwegian law - of aggravated assault and reckless behaviour.

Epstein files

In February, 2026 released by the US Justice Department the Epstein files showed extensive correspondence between Mette-Marit and the late sex offender – something the princess has since expressed regret over.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has given a "profound apology" to Norwegians for her friendship with Epstein, after it emerged they had exchanged messages for three years.

"I also apologise for the situation in which I have placed the Royal House, especially the King and Queen," she said  in February, 2026 in a palace statement after days of mounting pressure to address the issue.

Case dented popularity of Norwegian royals

The case has shaken the popularity of the Norwegian royal family, which has historically enjoyed high favourability ratings.

The number of Norwegians who were in favour of keeping the monarchy fell to a record low of 60% during the trial, according to a Norstat survey in February.

This was down from 70% in January, and a rise to 27% from 19% in those wanting a different system of governance.

In May, the royal family recovered somewhat in popularity, with 64% polled by Norstat supporting the monarchy and 23% wanting a different system of governance.

King Harald, the most popular Norwegian King, was asked about the future of the monarchy (first in line is Crown Prince Haakon, 52, followed by his eldest child, 22 year old Princess Ingrid Alexandra).

The 89-years-old King  said that ”with my successor, and also with Princess Ingrid Alexandra, you have nothing to fear.”

Inevitably, King Harald was asked about whether the Norwegian monarchy would survive. In response to a question about whether the crown will be abolished one day, he said ”then I’m not here anymore, that’s for sure”.

Sources: The Royal House of Norway, Royalcentral, Newsinenglish