Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been added to a waiting list for a lung transplant, according to the royal palace. Suffering from an incurable lung disease, the princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has put her official duties on hold. She is scheduled for the transplant surgery once a suitable donor becomes available. This development follows public outcry in the nation regarding her connections with the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Additionally, the princess is dealing with the ongoing legal proceedings involving her son, Marius Borg Høiby, who is facing charges of rape and serious assault.
Diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, Mette-Marit, aged 52, faces challenges in breathing due to the condition’s effects on lung tissue. In a recent interview with Norway’s public broadcaster NRK, she expressed disappointment at the rapid progression of her illness, preventing her from enjoying activities like hiking with her spouse. Over the past six months, her health condition has deteriorated further.
A statement from the Norwegian royal family indicated, “Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been included in the lung transplantation list due to her life-threatening chronic lung disease following comprehensive medical evaluations.” Dr. Are Holm, a specialist in lung treatments at Oslo University Hospital, noted a significant increase in scar tissue in her lungs and a considerable decline in lung function, necessitating urgent intervention.
While awaiting the transplant, Mette-Marit’s health concerns have prompted adjustments to the royal family’s schedules and activities. Dr. Holm emphasized the critical nature of the situation, underscoring the importance of finding a suitable donor for a successful procedure. He described the decision to place the crown princess on the transplant list as a last resort, given her severe illness and limited life expectancy, emphasizing the need for patients to be in optimal condition for the operation’s physical demands.
As the crown princess awaits her transplant, her son, Høiby, aged 29, remains in custody pending a verdict in his trial on charges of rape and assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The forthcoming weeks are expected to bring clarity to his legal situation.
