Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is expected to undergo a lung transplant following a deterioration in her health in recent months, the royal household has announced.
The 52-year-old wife of Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The chronic illness causes scarring of the lungs and reduces the body’s ability to absorb oxygen.
In a statement, the palace said recent medical tests carried out over the autumn showed a clear decline in the crown princess’s health.
“It has not yet been decided when the crown princess will be placed on the transplant waiting list,” the statement noted.
Professor Are Martin Holm of Oslo University Hospital’s pulmonary unit said preparations were already underway.
“We are approaching the time when a lung transplant must be performed, and we are making the necessary preparations so that it will be possible when that time comes,” he said.
The announcement has drawn widespread attention and concern, as Norwegians continue to follow updates on the crown princess’s health.
