Crown Princess Mette-Marit Awaiting Lung Transplant
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant, according to a statement from the Norwegian royal household.
The princess, who suffers from an incurable lung disease, has suspended her official duties and will undergo the transplant as soon as a suitable donor is found.
Health Condition and Diagnosis
Mette-Marit, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, has been managing a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis since her diagnosis in 2018. This condition causes breathing difficulties by creating scar tissue that stiffens the lungs, impairing oxygen absorption into the bloodstream. The illness has frequently required her to take sick leave or reduce her official engagements.
In December, the princess spoke to public broadcaster NRK, revealing that her illness had progressed more rapidly than anticipated. She noted that activities she once enjoyed with her husband, such as hiking and skiing, were no longer possible.
Recent Health Decline and Medical Assessment
Over the past six months, Mette-Marit's health has deteriorated significantly. Prof Are Holm, a lung specialist at Oslo University Hospital, provided an update during a news conference on Friday, citing the royal household as the source.
"We can see that there has been a significant increase in scar tissue in her lungs over the past year - and lung function tests show that her lung function has declined considerably in the last three months alone," Holm said.
He described the decline as "dangerous," which has led to her placement on the transplant waiting list.
Prof Holm explained that a lung transplant is considered a last resort, reserved for patients who are significantly ill with limited life expectancy but still in sufficiently good condition to endure the major surgery. The success of the transplant depends on finding a compatible donor and preventing organ rejection post-operation.
Family Matters and Legal Proceedings
Meanwhile, her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, aged 29, remains in custody as he awaits the verdict in his ongoing trial. The verdict is expected in the coming weeks.
Høiby denies the most serious allegations against him, which include four counts of rape and serious assault, but has pleaded guilty to lesser offenses. He holds no royal title or official duties despite being the stepson of the heir to the Norwegian throne.
Controversies Surrounding the Princess
The trial began shortly after the release of documents in the United States that revealed correspondence between Mette-Marit and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted as a sex offender.
In March, the princess expressed regret over her association with Epstein during a national television interview.
"I wish I had never met Epstein," she stated.
Earlier, following the release of millions of documents related to the US Department of Justice's investigation into Epstein in January, Mette-Marit apologized and acknowledged "poor judgement" regarding the extent and frequency of her contact with him.
