Norway’s Crown Princess May Need Lung Transplant

The Norwegian royal family said Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s health has deteriorated in recent months and she may need a lung transplant.

The 52-year-old princess was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. This degenerative disease creates scar tissue that stiffens the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and get oxygen into the bloodstream.

The palace said on Friday that tests in the autumn showed a “significant deterioration” in her health. “We have reached a point where lung transplants are needed,” said Are Martin Holm, head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital.

Princess Mette-Marit told public broadcaster NRK that her condition was progressing “faster than I had hoped”.

Dr. Holm said a decision has not yet been made whether to put her on the transplant waiting list. Buckingham Palace said her doctors had begun assessments for a lung transplant.

According to local media reports, there are usually 20 to 40 patients on the waiting list for lung transplants in Norway, and Princess Metmarit will not receive preferential treatment even if she is included on the list.

Although she is not yet on the donor list, Dr. Holm said her medical team is “making the necessary preparations to ensure that (the transplant) can happen when the time comes.”

Buckingham Palace said Princess Mette-Marit had an “increasing need” for rest and a targeted exercise program.

However, the company added in a statement on Friday that she “expressed a strong interest in continuing to perform her duties.” Her royal duties and activities will be adapted to her ongoing health issues.

Dr. Holm described pulmonary fibrosis to reporters as a “dangerous disease” that is often invisible because it depends on the extent of the condition in the individual.

He explains that while at rest, they may be able to breathe normally, but when they exert force – such as through exercise – their lungs “just can’t keep up.”

Princess Metmarit’s husband, Prince Haakon, the future king of Norway, sat next to her in an interview with NRK, in which he explained that Princess Metmarit may have looked “very fine” when she was sitting still, but he said he noticed that she was having more difficulty breathing.

He also said she had less and less energy and was more susceptible to illness.

The crown prince added that hiking or skiing together – activities the pair enjoyed – were no longer possible.

Mette-Marit said just the thought of a transplant was difficult because she knew it would carry risks.

A successful transplant depends on several factors, including finding a suitable match and ensuring the body does not reject the new organ.

Dr. Holm explained that transplantation is considered a last resort, telling reporters that an individual must have severe disease and a limited life expectancy before a lung transplant is considered appropriate.

A few months later news came that the princess’ health had deteriorated Her eldest son was charged with 32 crimes. These include four counts of rape.

Marius Borg Høiby, 28, denies the most serious charges against him but plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges when the trial begins, his lawyer Petar Sekulic told Reuters in August.

Mr Hojby is the stepson of the heir to the Norwegian throne but does not have any royal titles or official responsibilities.