Crown Princess Mette-Marit discharged from hospital following lung transplant

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been discharged from Oslo’s National Hospital following a life-saving lung transplant.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is home following an extensive operation which saw the Princess undergo a double lung transplant. The major surgery was deemed necessary as the 52-year-old’s health had been worsening over recent months, with a sharp decline over this past spring and summer. The Crown Princess suffers from a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2018.

The Crown Princess’s health had become so grave this past May that Crown Prince Haakon had cancelled several engagements, including shortening a trip to Japan, while Princess Ingrid Alexandra broke away from her studies in Australia to be by her mother’s side, as well as Prince Sverre Magnus following suit by coming home to be with family in an unfolding situation.

Mette-Marit, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, was admitted to Rikshospitalet last month, albeit without press intrusion, for a procedure that was not only necessary for a better quality of life but would also extend her life. The Royal Court noted in a press release, when announcing Mette-Marit was on the lung transplant list, that patients who require such an operation are deemed only to have a year left to live. The Palace announced on 17 June that the future Queen Consort of Norway had undergone a “successful” double lung transplant.

Today, Are Holm, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, alongside the Royal Court, says that the Crown Princess’s present condition is “as good as can be expected under the circumstances.” Mette-Marit will require a period of physical rehabilitation, during which she will be closely monitored by health officials and is not expected to undertake engagements. The Royal Court also notes that the average recovery period for such an extensive procedure may last over a year. Crown Prince Haakon will continue an official schedule but will make adjustments when necessary.

As the Crown Princess made it home, presumably to the Skaugum Estate, Mette-Marit released a message, via the Royal Court, to thank the many health care workers involved in her operation and recovery, the many who followed along and offered support throughout the family’s situation, as well as “fibro friends” — those who also suffer from pulmonary fibrosis.

I am deeply grateful. First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who make the choice to donate organs. Through organ donation, I have been given the gift of life. Words fail me as I try to express how profoundly grateful and humbled I am.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has stood by me throughout this long journey: my family, the doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, as well as all those who make an invaluable contribution to the Norwegian health service every day.

I would like to send a special greeting to my friends living with fibrosis. You have been extraordinary during one of the most demanding periods of my life. Living with fibrosis is not for the faint-hearted, and not a day goes by without me thinking about how strong you are.

I deeply appreciate the care and consideration I have received from so many people across Norway during my illness. It has given me strength when I needed it the most. Thank you so very much. — Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Crown Prince Haakon has also commented on his wife’s discharge, calling it a “great relief.”

It is a great relief to have the Crown Princess back home from hospital. We are all very happy that the initial phase has gone as well as it has. We are also immensely impressed by Oslo University Hospital. Although we know that there is a long period of recovery ahead of us, and that complications may arise, it feels very good to have come this far. — Crown Prince Haakon