The Crown Princess of Norway, Mette-Marit, is in recovery after undergoing a lung transplant in a procedure led by a team of British surgeons. The operation, performed at Oslo University Hospital, was carried out by a specialist team from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The 50-year-old princess, who has been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for years, was placed on the waiting list last year.
The surgery took place on Monday and lasted over eight hours. A statement from the Norwegian Palace said the princess is in a serious but stable condition and is expected to remain in hospital for several weeks. The use of UK medics highlights the deep ties between British and Norwegian healthcare systems, built on decades of collaboration and mutual aid.
The princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has spoken openly about her health struggles. She has campaigned for greater awareness of lung disease and the importance of organ donation. The success of the transplant is partly owed to the generosity of a donor and their family.
The palace has requested privacy during this time. The recovery is expected to be long and careful, but there is hope for a full return to public life. This story touches on the vulnerability of even the most visible public figures and underscores the universal reliance on skilled medical professionals and the gift of organ donation.
