Queen Mette-Marit of Norway to Pause Official Duties Until Summer 2027
Queen Mette-Marit of Norway will not take on official responsibilities until the summer of 2027, the Royal Court of Norway announced on October 7, 2026. The 53-year-old queen is continuing her rehabilitation following a successful lung transplant in June, according to HLN. The announcement was made by the Koninklijk Paleis in Oslo, as reported by multiple sources.
Mette-Marit undergoes lung transplant after pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis
Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a condition that worsened in the past year. By June, she was listed on the waiting list for a lung transplant, which she underwent at Rikshospitalet in Oslo on June 17. HLN reported that her revalidation process remains ongoing.
Impact on Royal Family Schedules
The royal family is adjusting to the transition following King Harald V’s death in August 2026. King Haakon has begun resuming official visits, including a trip to Narvik on Tuesday, but major state visits and international travel are not scheduled for the coming months. It was noted that the palace is prioritizing internal restructuring after the succession. Shortly after King Harald’s death on August 28, the Norwegian court announced a period of mourning, during which official activities were suspended. This period ended on October 9, 2026.
King Haakon’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, will not participate in public events until summer 2027. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, is focusing on her studies at the University of Oslo, with plans to return to Australia in February. Queen Sonja, Harald V’s widow, will continue representing the royal family at official functions. The royal family is also adjusting to the succession, with internal changes requiring time, as noted by the palace. The Noorse koninklijke familie will also have “aangepaste maanden” (adjusted months), according to sources.
Royal court leaves hiatus duration uncertain after 2027
The royal court has not specified whether Mette-Marit’s hiatus will extend beyond 2027.
Queen Mette-Marit delays official duties until 2027
When will Queen Mette-Marit return to official duties?
The Royal Court has stated she will not take on official responsibilities until the summer of 2027, though no specific date has been set beyond that. HLN reported the pause is tied to her rehabilitation timeline.
What health condition led to her lung transplant?
Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, which progressed significantly. She underwent a lung transplant in June 2026 at Rikshospitalet in Oslo. HLN confirmed the procedure was successful.
Will the royal family continue public engagements in 2026?
King Haakon has resumed some official visits, including a trip to Narvik in October. However, major state visits and international travel are not scheduled for the remainder of 2026, as the family focuses on internal adjustments.