Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit Receives Lung Transplant as Royal Children Head to World Cup

Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, 52, underwent a successful lung transplant after a rapid 12‑day donor match. The surgery addressed her long‑standing pulmonary fibrosis, and she will remain on lifelong immunosuppressive medication while under close hospital monitoring.

Following the operation, Crown Prince Haakon resumed his duties, and the royal children – Princess Ingrid Alexandra (22) and Prince Sverre Magnus (20) – were appointed to represent the Norwegian monarchy at the FIFA World Cup in the United States. They will attend Norway’s match against Senegal and visit TINE’s football school in New York, marking the first official royal engagement abroad since the transplant.

The royal family is gradually returning to a more normal schedule after a challenging week, with discussions underway in the Norwegian parliament about amending the constitution to allow Princess Ingrid Alexandra to serve as regent if needed.