Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is expected to require a lung transplant as her chronic respiratory condition continues to deteriorate, according to an announcement from the Royal Palace.
The 52-year-old, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon and will one day become Queen of Norway, received a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis seven years ago in 2018.
The condition causes scarring to accumulate in the lungs, progressively impairing their ability to transfer oxygen into the blood.
Medical examinations conducted during the autumn months revealed that the mother of three's illness has progressively worsened since her initial diagnosis, prompting doctors to evaluate whether surgical intervention will be required.
Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is expected to require a lung transplant as her chronic respiratory condition continues to deteriorate, according to an announcement from the Royal Palace.
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Physicians at Rikshospitalet University Hospital have been assessing the Crown Princess's suitability for transplant surgery.
Professor Martin Holm, who leads the hospital's Department of Respiratory Medicine, confirmed on Friday that medical staff are actively preparing for the procedure.
"We are reaching the point where a lung transplant will be necessary, and we are undertaking the necessary preparations to ensure that this will be possible when the time comes," said Dr Holm, a specialist in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases.
However, the timing remains uncertain, with no firm decision yet taken regarding when Mette-Marit will be added to the organ transplant waiting list.
The Crown Princess is currently undertaking a structured programme combining targeted physical exercise, rest periods and rehabilitation to manage her pulmonary fibrosis.
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"At present, no decision has been taken as to when the Crown Princess will be placed on the lung transplant waiting list," Dr Holm added.
The Crown Princess is currently undertaking a structured programme combining targeted physical exercise, rest periods and rehabilitation to manage her pulmonary fibrosis.
Despite her health challenges, Mette-Marit has expressed a strong desire to maintain her royal responsibilities through a modified schedule of engagements.
Following the rehabilitation period, the Crown Princess was expected to return to her official programme in November.
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In September, the Palace announced she would step back from official duties throughout October to focus on an intensive month-long lung rehabilitation programme in Norway.
Certain engagements were retained during this period, including her attendance at a parliamentary dinner held at the Royal Palace on 23 October.
Following the rehabilitation period, the Crown Princess was expected to return to her official programme in November.
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