Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit Awaits Lung Transplant as Condition Worsens
The royal household confirmed the 52-year-old is on a transplant list following a dangerous decline in lung function due to chronic pulmonary fibrosis.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on a lung transplant waiting list as a last resort for her incurable lung disease.
- Medical experts report a significant increase in scar tissue and a sharp decline in lung function over the past three months.
- The health crisis coincides with a high-profile rape trial involving her son and recent scrutiny regarding her past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
What happened
Norway's royal household announced on Friday that Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant. The 52-year-old royal has suspended her official duties and will undergo surgery as soon as a compatible donor is identified. The palace indicated the operation is necessary due to the progression of a chronic illness she has managed for several years.
What's new in this update
Prof Are Holm, a lung specialist at Oslo University Hospital, revealed that the princess's condition has deteriorated significantly in the last three months. Tests show a dangerous increase in lung scar tissue, making a transplant necessary despite the risks associated with the major procedure. The medical team described the transplant as a last resort, reserved for patients with limited life expectancy who are still strong enough to survive the surgery.
Key details
Mette-Marit was diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The disease causes lung tissue to become scarred and stiff, making it increasingly difficult for oxygen to enter the bloodstream. She previously noted that her illness has progressed faster than expected, limiting her ability to participate in the active lifestyle she once shared with Crown Prince Haakon.
Background and context
The medical emergency coincides with intense public scrutiny of the royal family. Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, is currently in custody facing multiple charges, including rape. Additionally, the princess recently apologized for poor judgement following the release of US documents detailing her past association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whom she met several times between 2011 and 2013.
What to watch next
The princess remains under medical supervision while awaiting a donor match. Meanwhile, a verdict in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby is expected within the next few weeks. Høiby has reportedly requested release from custody to be with his mother during her illness, though he remains held as the court prepares its final decision.
Why this matters
The health crisis of the future queen consort adds significant strain to the Norwegian royal family as they navigate separate legal and reputational scandals.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's International Relations coverage, with related entities including Norway, Royal Family, Mette-Marit, Pulmonary Fibrosis. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
The health crisis of the future queen consort adds significant strain to the Norwegian royal family as they navigate separate legal and reputational scandals.
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