Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, born in 1973 in Kristiansand, transitioned from a commoner background to the Norwegian royal family upon her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. Her path through the public sphere, marked by extensive academic pursuits and philanthropic engagements, has frequently intersected with intense media scrutiny regarding her personal history, family dynamics, and health challenges.
Early Education and Career
Before her royal role, she completed her secondary education at Kristiansand Cathedral School in 1994, having spent time as an exchange student at Wangaratta High School in Australia. She later pursued university-level courses, auditing development studies at SOAS, University of London, between 2002 and 2003. Her formal education culminated in 2012 when she earned a master's degree in executive management from the BI Norwegian Business School. Professionally, she held a position at the Norwegian-British Chamber of Commerce.
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She married Crown Prince Haakon on 25 August 2001 at Oslo Cathedral. The marriage drew public attention due to her prior experiences, including a relationship with Morten Borg, the father of her eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, born in 1997. The couple has two children: Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, born in 2004, and Prince Sverre Magnus, born in 2005. Her tenure as Crown Princess has included significant humanitarian work, notably serving as a UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador since 2006.
Health Challenges
In 2018, she received a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. Following a period of declining health in early 2026, which necessitated the use of supplemental oxygen, she was placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant. The procedure was successfully performed in mid-2026. She was discharged from Oslo University Hospital in July 2026, though she subsequently dealt with complications following the surgery.
Public Recognition and Awards
Her contributions to public and humanitarian life have been recognized through various international and domestic honors. These include the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, the Order of Stara Planina, and the Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. She was also awarded the Petter Dass Prize and the Fredrikke Award in 2008, alongside the 2005 Annette Thommessens minnepris and the 2016 Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Saint Olav.
Fast facts
- Born: 19 August 1973, Kristiansand Municipality
- Citizenship: Norway
- Religion: Christianity
- Spouse: Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway
- Education: BI Norwegian Business School (2008-2012)
- Diagnosis: Pulmonary fibrosis (2018)
Questions readers ask
What did Mette-Marit study at university?
She audited development studies at SOAS, University of London, and completed a master's degree in executive management at the BI Norwegian Business School.
What medical procedure did Mette-Marit undergo in 2026?
She underwent a successful lung transplant in June 2026 following a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis.
