Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has successfully undergone a lung transplant at Oslo University Hospital, as confirmed by the Royal House. This announcement comes just two days after her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison for two counts of rape.
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The Royal House made the official announcement on June 17, detailing that the 52-year-old Crown Princess had received the lung transplant following years of health challenges. Mette-Marit has struggled with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung condition, since she was diagnosed in 2018.
Medical professionals involved in her care provided positive updates following the surgery. Arnt Fiane, a professor at the University of Oslo and a leading figure in the heart and lung transplant programme, expressed gratitude for the successful procedure and commended the medical teams who contributed to the operation. “We are pleased that everything has progressed well so far,” he noted.
Are Holm, a consultant physician and respiratory specialist, confirmed that Mette-Marit would remain in the hospital for several weeks for routine post-operative care. This period is essential for medication adjustments, monitoring for potential complications, and rehabilitation.
During this challenging time, Crown Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit’s husband, is expected to alter his royal engagements to be by her side. The palace indicated that updates on her health will be forthcoming, but the next report will only be released upon her discharge from the hospital. The royal couple expressed their gratitude for the support and well-wishes they received from the public.
Just prior to her transplant, the Crown Princess had been placed on a lung transplant waiting list and had begun to curtail her public appearances. Mette-Marit was often seen wearing an oxygen cannula, indicative of her struggle with respiratory difficulties, and had visited the Rikshospitalet with her family in early June.
The timing of the transplant announcement is particularly poignant, occurring shortly after her son Marius, 29, was convicted of serious criminal charges. The Oslo District Court sentenced him on June 15, and he is now facing not only imprisonment but also a two-year restraining order regarding one of his victims. Marius, who was not part of the line of succession due to his birth prior to Mette-Marit’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, has attended numerous royal events over the years.
In a twist of circumstances, prior to his sentencing, Marius had made a plea to be released from custody in light of his mother’s deteriorating health. He expressed his distress over being unable to support her during such a challenging period, stating that it was “unbearable” for him to be separated from her while she battled serious health issues.
As Mette-Marit embarks on the road to recovery, the royal family faces significant external pressures. The juxtaposition of a health crisis within the palace against the backdrop of serious allegations involving Marius has garnered considerable media attention. As the family navigates these numerous challenges, both public and private, members of the Royal House have reinforced their commitment to maintain an air of dignity and resilience during this turbulent time.
The Crown Princess’s health journey, alongside the legal troubles facing her son, illustrates the complexity of royal life, demonstrating how personal battles can often play out against the wider public narrative. As the nation watches, the Royal House hopes to find strength in the support of its people and in the bond of family amid adversity.