The Norwegian Royal Court revealed that Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon, has successfully undergone lung transplant surgery after her condition from lung fibrosis steadily worsened over recent months, amidst a major scandal affecting the royal family, including a case where their son was sentenced to four years in prison for rape.
The Norwegian Royal Court issued a statement today (17 Jun) announcing that Crown Princess Mette-Marit, aged 52, has undergone successful lung transplant surgery and is currently hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet for recovery monitoring.
Professor Are Holm, a lung disease specialist at the hospital, stated that like other organ transplant patients, the Crown Princess will remain hospitalized for several more weeks, with further updates to be provided once she is discharged.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed in 2018 with lung fibrosis, a chronic condition causing scarring of lung tissue that reduces oxygen absorption into the bloodstream and severely impairs breathing.
Over the years, she has intermittently reduced public engagements due to the disease's effects, with a marked deterioration in her condition over the past six months. On 5 June, doctors placed her on the lung transplant waiting list.
Doctors noted that lung transplantation is a last-resort option for patients expected to have less than two years to live without a new organ.
Previously, Crown Princess Mette-Marit appeared publicly using respiratory aids and a portable oxygen tank, reflecting the severity of her condition in recent times.
Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne who will succeed King Harald V, plans to reduce his public duties to care for his wife, while their 22-year-old daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra has temporarily paused her social science studies at the University of Sydney to return home to support her mother, with plans to continue education in Oslo this autumn.
The Royal Court also announced the indefinite postponement of the 25th wedding anniversary celebrations originally scheduled for August.
This period coincides with multiple pressures on the Norwegian royal family. Earlier this week, Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was sentenced by an Oslo court to four years in prison for rape and other charges; he has stated his intention to appeal.
Additionally, previously leaked documents revealed communications between the Crown Princess and American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, sparking further public criticism in Norway.
Although the Norwegian monarchy still retains majority public support, a recent May survey showed approval ratings have fallen to 64%, down from before this year's controversies.
. Source: AFP /Reuters