Norwegian Crown Princess Undergoes Successful Lung Transplant

In a relief to the Norwegian population, the royal household announced that Crown Princess Mette‑Marit, 52, underwent a successful lung transplant in Oslo last week.

She was diagnosed in 2018 with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis that has progressively worsened, leading to severe breathing difficulties. In recent months the condition had become dangerous, prompting urgent medical intervention.

“We are delighted that everything has progressed well so far,” said lung specialist Are Holm, who led the operation. He added that the Princess will stay in hospital for several weeks under observation, a standard practice for transplant recipients.

Reuters reported that Prince Haakon will adjust his official agenda to provide extra support to his wife during her recovery period.

Two days before the transplant, Mette‑Marit’s 29‑year‑old son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison for two counts of rape, though he was convicted of lesser charges and intends to appeal. Over the past week, the royal family has faced additional scrutiny after documents surfaced revealing her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

“The transplant is very happy news for the Norwegian royal family and the Kingdom,” said historian Ole‑Jørgen Schulsrud‑Hansen. He noted that many people were relieved to hear the operation was successful.

The procedure represents a critical milestone in a year that has tested the resilience of Norway’s monarchy. Mette‑Marit, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, has publicly apologised to King and Queen Harald for her friendship with Epstein and has spoken about her own “poor judgement.”

Medical experts emphasised that post‑transplant care will be delicate, with recipients requiring lifelong immunosuppressive medication. About one in eight lung transplant patients do not survive the first year, though half remain alive after ten years.