Oslo: The Norwegian Royal Palace announced today that Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is on the waiting list for a lung transplant following a deterioration in her condition. Her Royal Highness, at the age of 52, has been managing the effects of pulmonary fibrosis since her diagnosis in 2018. This chronic disease leads to scarring in the lungs, hindering the body's ability to efficiently process oxygen.

According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Palace disclosed in a press release that the Crown Princess is awaiting a transplant due to the severity of her condition and results from comprehensive medical evaluations. As a result, Crown Prince Haakon cut short his official trip to Japan earlier this week, while their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, returned to Oslo from Australia to be with her mother.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Karster commended the Crown Princess for her openness regarding her illness, suggesting that it would serve as an encouragement to others dealing with similar health challenges. In light of these developments, the Royal Palace also announced the postponement of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, which were initially set for August of this year.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit first crossed paths with Prince Haakon at a music festival in 1999 when she was a 25-year-old commoner and single mother. Despite early media scrutiny, their relationship flourished and eventually earned widespread public support in Norway.