Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway has undergone a successful lung transplant, the Norwegian Palace has announced.
The royal, 52, underwent a successful operation at Oslo University Hospital, it was revealed on Wednesday. The Crown Princess, who is married to the future king of Norway, Crown Prince Haakon, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018 and has frequently been absent from official engagements in recent months.
In recent appearances, Mette-Marit has used supplemental oxygen, as seen in May on Norway's National Day, when she appeared visibly fatigued with frequent coughing, requiring periods of sitting down.
"So far, the lung transplant has been a success," said Arna Tiane, head of Thoracic Surgery at Rikshospitalet in a press release on Wednesday.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the team members who were involved in the planning and implementation," Tiane continued.
"We are extremely pleased that everything has gone smoothly so far. Like the other newly transplanted patients, the Crown Princess will remain hospitalized at Rikshospitalet for the next few weeks."
© Getty Images"This is a routine procedure to adjust her medication, treat any complications, and carry out her rehabilitation," explained Are Holm, head of the Pulmonology Department at the hospital.
A statement from Norway's royal house read: "Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has undergone a successful lung transplant at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet in Oslo.
"The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess express their sincere gratitude for the many warm and kind messages they have received. This means a great deal to them at this challenging time."
Earlier this month, the palace revealed that the Princess was on the waiting list for a transplant, stressing that her condition was "serious" and stating she would require it "as soon as possible".
Prince Haakon's reduced schedule
Due to the seriousness of the procedure, Crown Prince Haakon will adjust his schedule to be with his wife during this time. A reception for consuls at the palace on Tuesday afternoon was cancelled at the last minute, while his official engagements for Wednesday have also been removed.
He recently cut his official trip to Japan short to be by his wife's side, while their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, returned home from her studies in Sydney. The couple also shares a son, Prince Sverre Magnus, 20.
In a recent interview with the Norwegian press at the Abel Prize ceremony in Oslo, he revealed the Crown Princess was "seriously ill" and "getting worse".
© Getty ImagesThe Crown Prince did not hide his concern for her, telling press: "I'm worried about her health. She uses oxygen daily, and that helps a little."
The Norwegian Palace previously revealed in December that the Crown Princess was set to undergo a transplant, and evaluations were taking place to discuss potential surgery.
However, the situation has become increasingly urgent in recent months.
What will happen now?
The Royal Court has already announced that the next update on Princess Mette-Marit's health will be provided once she is discharged from the hospital.
© GettyMette-Marit will now face a period of rehabilitation as her body adapts to the new lung.
"The first few weeks consist of carefully monitoring lung function, preventing infections, and ensuring that the body does not reject the new lung. This is a period that requires patience and a great deal of effort from the patient," Marthe Gundersen, advisor to the National Heart, Lung, and Stroke Association, told NRK.
On Monday, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, was found guilty of rape by three judges at Oslo District Court and was sentenced to four years in prison.
