Princess Märtha Louise’s husband undergoes kidney transplant

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway’s husband, Durek Verrett, has undergone a kidney transplant.

He had been requiring dialysis several times a week “just to stay alive.”

Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett told HELLO! that they are “incredibly relieved and deeply grateful” following the successful operation.

In a statement, they said, “First and foremost, we feel an enormous sense of gratitude toward the person who was willing to become a donor. It is difficult to put into words what such a gift means. The new kidney has given Durek a second chance, and that is something we will never take for granted.”

Durek added, “I have received treatment in many places around the world, but I have never experienced the warmth, compassion and humanity that I have encountered among healthcare professionals in Norway in general, and at Drammen Hospital in particular. The way the doctors and nurses have cared for me, both as a patient and as a person, has deeply touched me. They have been my ‘little angels’ through a very challenging time.”

The couple now hopes to raise more awareness for organ donation. “We know how difficult it is to wait, and how much hope can rest on a single phone call. If our story can encourage more people to talk about organ donation and make a decision about it, that would mean a great deal to us.”