Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit will likely need a lung transplant, the country's royal household has announced.
The 52-year-old's condition has worsened in recent months after being 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.
The palace said that tests in autumn showed "a clear worsening" of her health.
The Crown Princess Mette-Marit will likely need a lung transplant
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"We are reaching the point where a lung transplant will be necessary," Are Martin Holm, head of respiratory medicine at Oslo University Hospital, stated.
Princess Mette-Marit told broadcaster NRK that her illness had developed "faster than I'd hoped".
Dr Holm explained that no decision has been made yet whether she will be placed on the transplant waiting list.
The palace said her doctors have begun the process towards an evaluation for lung transplant surgery.
Princess Mette-Marit told broadcaster NRK that her illness had developed 'faster than I'd hoped'
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There are usually between 20 and 40 patients on the waiting list for a lung transplant in Norway.
Local media reports that the princess will not be given preferential treatment if she is placed on the list.
Although she is not yet on a donor list, Dr Holm said her healthcare team was "undertaking the necessary preparations to ensure that [a transplant] will be possible when the time comes".
The palace said the princess has "an increasing need" for rest and a specific exercise regime.
The palace said the princess has 'an increasing need' for rest
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Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit's husband and the future king of Norway, sat beside her for an interview with NRK.
He shared that while she may appear "perfectly fine", he had noticed her difficulty breathing recently and a lack of energy.
The crown prince added that hiking or skiing together was no longer possible.
The thought of the transplant alone had been demanding, Mette-Marit said, as she knew it would involve risks.
Marius Borg Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship | GETTYTransplant is seen as a last resort, Dr Holm explained, telling reporters that individuals must be significantly ill and have a limited life expectancy before a lung transplant can be deemed necessary.
News of the princess's deteriorating health comes months after her eldest son was charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape.
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, denies the most serious accusations against him, but plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges when the trial begins, his lawyer Petar Sekulic announced.
Mr Høiby is the stepson of the heir to the Norwegian throne, but does not possess any royal title or official duties.
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