Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has successfully received a lung transplant at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, the Royal Palace confirmed on Wednesday. The 52-year-old princess, who was diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, is now in recovery under close medical supervision.
Pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue and leads to breathing difficulties, had been a persistent health challenge for Mette-Marit. At the time of her diagnosis, she acknowledged that the illness would occasionally affect her official duties. “I have had occasional health challenges for a number of years, and now we know more about their underlying causes,” she said then.
Medical Team Expresses Optimism
Professor Arnt Fiane, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Oslo, expressed satisfaction with the procedure's outcome. “The transplant has gone well so far,” he stated. He noted that Mette-Marit will remain in hospital for several weeks to allow doctors to adjust medications, monitor for potential complications, and support her recovery.
The palace released a statement expressing gratitude for the public's support: “The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess express their sincere gratitude for the many warm and kind messages they have received. This means a great deal to them at this challenging time.”
This health development comes shortly after a difficult period for the royal family. Mette-Marit's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape and other offenses. The palace has not commented on any connection between these events.
Norway's Crown Prince Haakon had previously reduced his official duties to support his wife while she awaited the transplant. The royal household has emphasized that Mette-Marit's health remains the priority, and her public engagements will be limited during her recovery.
The successful transplant marks a significant step for the princess, who has been open about her health struggles. Pulmonary fibrosis affects approximately 5 million people worldwide, with limited treatment options beyond lung transplantation for advanced cases. Norway's healthcare system, known for its high standards, has facilitated the procedure at one of the country's leading medical centers.
As Mette-Marit begins her recovery, the palace has requested privacy for the family. The Crown Princess is expected to gradually resume her duties once her health permits, though no timeline has been provided.
