Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has successfully undergone a lung transplant in Oslo, according to an announcement from the Norwegian royal household.
The 52-year-old royal was diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic lung disease that had significantly worsened in recent months and led to growing concerns about her health.
Doctors confirmed that the transplant procedure was successful and that Mette-Marit is recovering well. Lung specialist Are Holm said the Crown Princess will remain in hospital for several weeks for monitoring and post-transplant care, which is standard for transplant recipients.
The palace also announced that Crown Prince Haakon will adjust his official duties to support his wife during her recovery.
The operation comes during a difficult period for the royal family. Just days before the transplant, Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on two rape charges. His legal team has indicated that he plans to appeal the verdict.
Royal commentator Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen described the successful transplant as a major relief for both the royal family and the people of Norway, noting that it represented one of the most significant steps toward improving the Crown Princess’s health.
Mette-Marit has gradually reduced her public engagements in recent years as her condition deteriorated. Earlier this year, medical specialists described her health challenges as serious and potentially life-threatening.
Doctors have cautioned that recovery following a lung transplant is a lengthy process, requiring lifelong medication and careful medical supervision.
The Crown Princess was last seen in public in May, when she appeared with oxygen support as her condition continued to worsen.
