Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit Undergoes Lung Transplant

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has successfully undergone a lung transplant after her health deteriorated significantly, prompting Crown Prince Haakon to cancel his official engagements to support his wife during her recovery.

A Critical Procedure

In 2018, doctors diagnosed 52-year-old Crown Princess Mette-Marit with pulmonary fibrosis. Following a recent decline in her condition, medical professionals determined that a lung transplant was the only viable treatment option to prevent a terminal outcome.

The surgery was performed at the Rikshospitalet in Oslo on Wednesday, June 17. Are Holm, head of the pulmonary department, confirmed the operation was successful and that the recovery process is proceeding as expected.

Royal Recovery Protocol

Crown Prince Haakon officially canceled his scheduled events for the week beginning Tuesday, June 16, to remain by his wife’s side. The royal press office stated that no further health updates will be provided until the Princess is discharged.

As part of the standard post-transplant procedure, the Princess will remain hospitalized for several weeks. This period is dedicated to medication adjustment, monitoring for potential complications, and initial rehabilitation.

Public and Legal Context

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised the Princess for her transparency regarding her health, noting that her openness could support others facing similar medical challenges.

Meanwhile, the royal family has faced scrutiny following the conviction of Marius Borg Hoiby, the Princess’s eldest son. On Monday, June 15, an Oslo district court sentenced the 29-year-old to four years in prison for two counts of rape. Hoiby, who holds no royal title or official duties, had unsuccessfully requested a release from custody to be with his mother during her medical crisis.