Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has undergone a successful lung transplant at the Rigshospitalet in London, the Norwegian royal palace confirmed this morning. The 50-year-old royal, who has battled pulmonary fibrosis for years, received the transplant on Monday. Palace officials described the procedure as “complex but successful,” and she is now recovering in intensive care.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that causes scarring and stiffening of the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. The Crown Princess was diagnosed in 2018, but her condition worsened last year, leading to her being placed on the transplant list in March. The surgery was performed by a team led by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, a pioneering heart and lung surgeon.
“Her Royal Highness is receiving the best possible care, and her medical team is optimistic about her recovery,” a palace spokesman said in a statement. “The family is grateful for the organ donor and their family, and ask for privacy at this time.”
Prince Haakon, her husband, and their three children are said to be at her bedside. The Crown Princess’s health struggles have been public for years, but she has continued her official duties when possible. Last year, she reduced her schedule to undergo tests and treatment.
The news has sent shockwaves through Norway, where the royal family is deeply loved. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the country’s thoughts were with the Crown Princess. “This is a serious operation, but we are relieved to hear it went well. We wish her a full and speedy recovery,” he said.
Medical experts say lung transplants carry significant risks, but success rates have improved in recent years. The average survival rate is around 50% after five years. However, Professor Yacoub’s reputation gives hope. He has performed over 2,000 transplants.
For the Crown Princess, the road ahead will be long. She will remain in London for several weeks or months, with a strict programme of rehabilitation and immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. The palace said she is “in good spirits” and “determined to recover fully.”
