'It's a long road to recovery': Crown Prince Haakon gives update on wife Mette-Marit after her lung transplant

Crown Prince Haakon gave a rare update about his wife, Crown Princess Mette Marit, as he returned to public engagements on Sunday. 

The future King of Norway resurfaced in the town of Krokstadelva in Drammen to meet residents and rescue teams who have been battling a huge wildfire. 

Giving a rare update about his wife's health, Haakon told media: "Fortunately, things are improving, thank you. But it's only the beginning of a long road to recovery."

Mette-Marit, 52, underwent a "life-saving" lung transplant in June after her symptoms from her pulmonary diagnosis, which scars the lungs and makes breathing harder, worsened. 

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The Norwegian Palace revealed last week that she will be entering a six-month rehabilitation period, during which she will not carry out official engagements. 

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is discharged from hospital

Mother-of-three Mette-Marit was discharged from hospital last week, nearly a month after undergoing her lung transplant. 

The Crown Princess said she was "deeply grateful" to be in recovery, while the royal household confirmed that her health is "as good as can be expected".

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"It is a great relief to have the Crown Princess back home after her hospitalisation," the Crown Prince said at the time.  

"We are all very pleased that the first phase has gone so well. We are very impressed with Oslo University Hospital. 

"While we know that a long road to recovery lies ahead and that complications may arise, we are very satisfied to have made it this far."

Are Holm, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, said: "The Crown Princess’s condition is as good as can be expected under the circumstances."

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He continued: "Over the next six months, the Crown Princess will undergo physical rehabilitation and be closely monitored for possible complications, including rejection and infections.

"In an uncomplicated recovery, it often takes approximately one year before the patient’s condition enters a more stable phase."

Crown Prince Haakon turns 53

The Crown Prince has been taking time away from public duties during the Princess's health battle. 

However, he travelled to the US to watch England's World Cup match against Norway in the semi-final at Miami Stadium, but returned home after the country lost 2-1. 

However, his official schedule is still being adjusted so he can spend time with Mette-Marit. 

The Crown Prince has been celebrating his 53rd birthday this week, with the Norwegian royal household releasing a special portrait for the occasion on Monday. 

The picture was captioned: "Many congratulations to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, who turns 53 today!"