Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit will likely need a lung transplant as her health has worsened in recent months, the country's royal household has said.
The princess, 52, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. The degenerative disease creates scar tissue that stiffens the lungs making it difficult to breathe and for oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
Tests in autumn showed a clear worsening of her health, the palace said on Friday. We are reaching the point where a lung transplant will be necessary, said Are Martin Holm, head of respiratory medicine at Oslo University Hospital.
Princess Mette-Marit told public broadcaster NRK that her illness had developed faster than I'd hoped.
No decision has been taken yet on whether she will be placed on the transplant waiting list, Dr. Holm mentioned. The palace stated that her doctors had started the process towards an evaluation for lung transplant surgery.
In Norway, there are usually between 20 and 40 patients on the waiting list for a lung transplant, and Princess Mette-Marit will not receive preferential treatment if she is placed on the list, according to local media reports.
Although she is not yet on a donor list, Dr. Holm confirmed that her healthcare team was preparing for a potential transplant.
The palace indicated that Princess Mette-Marit had an increasing need for rest and a targeted exercise regimen, but she expressed a strong desire to continue completing her duties.
Holm characterized pulmonary fibrosis as a dangerous disease that often goes unnoticed because symptoms can vary significantly among individuals based on their condition. At rest, patients may have normal breathing, but exertion reveals serious limitations.
Crown Prince Haakon, her husband, addressed concerns during the interview, noting that while she may seem perfectly fine while seated, he has observed her breathing struggles and declining energy levels.
The couple's shared enjoyment of outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing has diminished, according to Crown Prince Haakon.
Princess Mette-Marit acknowledged that the thought of needing a transplant was daunting, given the associated risks.
The successful outcome of a transplant depends on various factors, including tissue compatibility and preventing organ rejection. Dr. Holm underscored that a lung transplant is typically a last-resort option reserved for patients with significant illness and limited life expectancy.
The announcement regarding the princess's deteriorating health comes on the heels of personal challenges, including her eldest son's legal troubles, having been charged with multiple offences, including four counts of rape.
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, has denied the most serious allegations but plans to plead guilty to lesser charges as his trial approaches.
