The Crown Princess of Norway, Mette-Marit, has undergone a successful lung transplant, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Wednesday. The operation, performed at Oslo University Hospital, was supported by a medical team from the British royal household, underscoring the close ties between the two monarchies.
The 50-year-old princess, who has battled pulmonary fibrosis since 2018, was listed for a transplant in November. The procedure, which lasted several hours, was carried out by a Norwegian surgical team assisted by specialists from the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. A palace spokesperson said the Crown Princess is in a stable condition and is recovering in intensive care.
King Harald V of Norway thanked the British medical team for their expertise and discretion. In a statement, the Norwegian royal court said: “The Crown Princess is receiving the best possible care, and we are deeply grateful for the international collaboration that made this possible.”
The involvement of British royal medical staff reflects a long-standing tradition of cross-border support within European royal families. The British monarchy has a dedicated medical household that often advises on complex procedures. In this case, the team was deployed at the request of the Norwegian court to provide intraoperative support.
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, a leading transplant surgeon, said the operation was a testament to the success of international medical cooperation. “Lung transplants are among the most challenging procedures, and having experienced teams work together improves outcomes,” he told the BBC.
The Crown Princess’s condition has been closely watched in Norway, where she is a popular figure known for her charitable work. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, has cancelled all official engagements to be at her bedside.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment further on the details of the British team’s involvement, citing patient confidentiality. However, sources indicate that the offer of support was made directly by King Charles III, who has maintained a warm relationship with the Norwegian royal family.
The successful transplant marks a critical milestone in the Crown Princess’s treatment. She is expected to remain in hospital for several weeks, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period. The Norwegian royal court said it would provide regular updates on her progress.
