Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway may need a lung transplant after her health condition has worsened over the past months, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced.
The 52-year-old princess was diagnosed in 2018 with pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative disease that causes scarring of lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe and supply oxygen to the body.
According to the palace, recent medical tests have shown a “significant deterioration” in her condition. Dr. Are Martin Holm, head of respiratory medicine at Oslo University Hospital, stated that the situation is approaching the point where a lung transplant may become necessary.
Princess Mette-Marit herself told the public broadcaster NRK that her condition has progressed “faster than she had hoped.”
No final decision has been made regarding her inclusion on the transplant waiting list, but the palace confirmed that doctors have begun the evaluation process for such an intervention. Local media report that if she is placed on the list, the princess will not receive preferential treatment despite her royal status.
