Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has officially been added to the waiting list for a lung transplant, as confirmed by the royal palace. Suffering from an incurable lung condition, the princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has put her official duties on hold until a suitable donor becomes available. This announcement comes amidst public controversy in Norway regarding her connection to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing trial of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, for rape.
Diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, the 52-year-old princess faces challenges in breathing due to the scarring and hardening of her lungs. Her health has been deteriorating rapidly, preventing her from engaging in activities she once enjoyed, such as hiking with her husband.
In a statement released by the Norwegian royal family, it was disclosed that Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s condition is critical, leading to her placement on the urgent lung transplant list. The family’s consultant and lung specialist, Are Holm from Rikshospitalet, emphasized the severity of her condition, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Professor Are Holm, a lung specialist at Oslo University Hospital, highlighted the significant decline in the princess’s lung function over the past year, indicating the urgent need for a transplant. He stressed the critical nature of the situation, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable donor to ensure a successful operation.
The decision to place the crown princess on the transplant list was described as a last resort due to her deteriorating health and limited life expectancy. Holm emphasized the necessity for patients to be in optimal condition to withstand the physical strain of such a procedure.
Meanwhile, as Mette-Marit awaits a potential transplant, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, remains in custody facing charges of rape and serious assault. His trial is nearing its conclusion, with a verdict expected in the upcoming weeks.