Crown Princess Mette Marit has been discharged from hospital nearly a month after undergoing a lung transplant.
The future queen of Norway, 52, underwent the “life-saving” operation at the National Hospital on 18 June, after symptoms from her pulmonary fibrosis, which makes it hard to breathe normally, worsened.
In a press release issued by Norway’s Royal House on Tuesday, Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, said she was “deeply grateful” to be in recovery.
The Household confirmed that the Princess’s health is as “good as can be expected” under the circumstances.
Mette-Marit said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who make the choice to donate organs. Through organ donation, I have been given the gift of life. Words fail me as I try to express how profoundly grateful and humbled I am.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has stood by me throughout this long journey: my family, the doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, as well as all those who make an invaluable contribution to the Norwegian health service every day.“
The royal mother-of-three added: “I would like to send a special greeting to my friends living with fibrosis. You have been extraordinary during one of the most demanding periods of my life. Living with fibrosis is not for the faint-hearted, and not a day goes by without me thinking about how strong you are.
“I deeply appreciate the care and consideration I have received from so many people across Norway during my illness. It has given me strength when I needed it the most. Thank you so very much.“
What are Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s next steps?
She will undergo physical rehabilitation over the next six months, during which she is not expected to carry out official engagements.
Her husband, Prince Haakon, who travelled to the US to watch England play Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals this week, will continue engagements but may make some adjustments to spend time with his wife.
© Getty ImagesAre Holm, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, said: “The Crown Princess’s condition is as good as can be expected under the circumstances.”
He continued: “Over the next six months, the Crown Princess will undergo physical rehabilitation and be closely monitored for possible complications, including rejection and infections.
“In an uncomplicated recovery, it often takes approximately one year before the patient’s condition enters a more stable phase.“
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
Crown Princess Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. Before her transplant, she was seen using oxygen, for example, during Norway’s National Day in May.
The condition means that the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. It’s not clear what causes it, and no treatment can cure it.
Initial symptoms can include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Crown Prince Haakon’s comments about his wife
“It is a great relief to have the Crown Princess back home after her hospitalisation,” the Crown Prince said.
© NTB/AFP via Getty Images“We are all very pleased that the first phase has gone so well. We are very impressed with Oslo University Hospital. While we know that a long road to recovery lies ahead and that complications may arise, we are very satisfied to have made it this far.”
It comes after King Harald, Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus welcomed the Norwegian national team after their incredible performance at the World Cup on Monday night.
Meanwhile, it was revealed on Monday that Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, will be released from prison to serve four weeks of his sentence under house arrest with an electronic monitoring bracelet for two counts of rape, among other charges.
The Oslo District Court sentenced him to four years in prison last month.
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