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 disease, the princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has put her official duties on hold until a suitable donor becomes available. This development follows public scrutiny in light of her past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing rape trial of her son, Marius Borg Høiby.
Diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, the 52-year-old princess faces challenges in breathing due to scar tissue hardening her lungs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. In a recent interview with Norway’s public broadcaster NRK, she expressed disappointment at the rapid progression of her illness, lamenting her inability to partake in hiking trips with her husband.
A statement from the Norwegian royal family revealed the severity of Mette-Marit’s condition, citing the necessity for a lung transplant following thorough health evaluations. Dr. Are Holm, a consultant and lung specialist at Rikshospitalet, emphasized the urgency of the situation, indicating a significant decline in the princess’s lung function over the past year.
Professor Holm underscored the critical nature of the princess’s deteriorating condition, deeming the transplant a crucial intervention due to the dangerous escalation of scar tissue in her lungs. However, he cautioned that the success of the transplant hinges on various factors, including finding a suitable donor match.
Describing the decision to place Mette-Marit on the transplant list as a measure of last resort, Professor Holm highlighted the princess’s grave illness and limited life expectancy. He stressed the importance of patients being in optimal health to withstand the rigors of such a procedure.
Meanwhile, as Mette-Marit awaits a potential transplant, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces legal proceedings involving charges of rape and serious assault. Høiby, aged 29, maintains his innocence as his trial continues, with a verdict expected in the near future.
