Crown Princess Mette-Marit has undergone a lung transplant. The Royal House of Norway shared the news in a statement, revealing that the surgery was a success and was conducted at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet.
In recent months, Mette-Marit's health had been declining, with her skipping numerous engagements and appearing at different events with a breathing aid. Her last public appearance was on May 17th, on Norway's National Day, with the Princess looking fatigued and coughing consistently throughout the engagement.
© LISE ASERUDDoctors Declare the Surgery a Success
"So far, the lung transplant has been a success," said Arnt Fiane, head of Thoracic Surgery at Rikshospitalet. "I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all of the team members who participated in the planning and execution of the procedure."
Are Holm, head of the Pulmonology Department at the hospital, also shared a statement. "We are extremely pleased that everything has gone smoothly so far. Like other newly transplanted patients, the Crown Princess will remain at Rikshospitalet during the coming weeks. This is standard procedure — that way, doctors can adjust medication, treat any complications that may arise, and complete rehabilitation," he said.
© Per Ole HagenCrown Prince Haakon's Response to Mette-Marit's Surgery
Due to the seriousness of Mette-Marit's surgery and health, Crown Prince Haakon will adjust his royal schedule to support his wife. While he is unlikely to undertake any trips or state visits, his next engagement is expected to be Thursday, June 19, alongside his father, King Harald V, in an audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Royal House shared that their next health update will come once Mette-Marit is released from the hospital. The Crown Prince and Princess have expressed their gratitude for the kind messages they have received in recent months.
In the weeks ahead, Mette-Marit will face a challenging recovery as her body adapts to the new organ. "The first weeks consist of carefully monitoring lung function, preventing infections, and ensuring that the body does not reject the new lung. This is a period that requires patience and a great deal of effort from the patient," said Marthe Gundersen, advisor to the National Association for Heart, Lung, and Stroke (LHL), to NRK.
© Getty ImagesA Necessary but Risky Procedure
A lung transplant is a complex and high-risk surgery, but one that was ultimately necessary to save the Princess's life. Details have been kept under wraps, with neither the palace nor the hospital sharing when the surgery took place, likely done to retain the Princess' privacy and to avoid speculation over who the organ belonged to.
As the palace and royal family navigate Mette-Marit's recovery, they're also navigating the presumed end of one of their biggest controversies. On Monday, courts announced that Mette-Marit's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of rape and other charges.
© HAKON MOSVOLD LARSEN
