Norway's crown princess undergoes successful lung transplant, palace says

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is recovering from a successful lung transplant, the Royal Household announced Wednesday. The 52-year-old princess underwent the procedure at Oslo University Hospital.

Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a chronic lung disease, Mette-Marit's health had significantly deteriorated, leading to her placement on the lung transplant waiting list earlier this month. Doctors had indicated she had approximately one year to live without the surgery. Her husband is Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to the Norwegian throne.

Oslo University Hospital Professor Are Holm stated that, like other transplant patients, the Crown Princess will remain hospitalized for several weeks. Crown Prince Haakon had previously shared that the family had observed a worsening of Mette-Marit's condition, noting her increasing difficulty in breathing.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere praised the Crown Princess for her openness about her illness, suggesting it could provide support to others facing similar health challenges. Mette-Marit's journey to royalty began when she met Haakon in 1999, a relationship that initially sparked media attention but eventually gained widespread public acceptance.

“

Like all newly transplanted patients, the crown princess will remain at the hospital for several weeks to come.