17/06/2026 09:41 - Internacionales
Princesa Mette-Marit de Noruega en entorno hospitalario moderno con luz suave, expresión serena de esperanza y recuperación
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has undergone a successful lung transplant at Rikshospitalet in Oslo, the Royal Household announced on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in her ongoing battle against pulmonary fibrosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 2018.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and incurable disease that causes scarring of lung tissue, making the lungs stiff and increasingly difficult to breathe. The condition severely impacts quality of life and, in advanced stages, often requires a transplant as the only viable treatment option.
Dr. Are Holm, head of the pulmonary department at Rikshospitalet, expressed cautious optimism: "We are very satisfied that everything has gone well so far."
Like all transplant recipients, Mette-Marit will remain hospitalized for "several weeks" to:
| Age: | 52 years |
| Diagnosed: | 2018 |
| Condition: | Pulmonary fibrosis |
| Procedure: | Lung transplant |
| Hospital: | Rikshospitalet, Oslo |
Mette-Marit became Crown Princess of Norway upon her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001. Haakon is the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne, set to succeed his father, King Harald V. The couple has two children together: Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
The Crown Princess also has a son, Marius Borg Høiby, from a previous relationship. He holds no royal title and has no official duties.
Mette-Marit has been widely admired for her humanitarian work, particularly in mental health advocacy and support for marginalized communities. Her down-to-earth approach has made her a beloved figure among Norwegians.
Crown Prince Haakon has reportedly adjusted his official schedule to remain close to his wife during this critical recovery period. The Royal Household stated they would provide further updates on the princess's condition upon her discharge from the hospital.
The princess's health deterioration in recent months came during an especially difficult time for Norway's royal family:
Her son Marius Borg Høiby was sentenced on Monday to four years in prison after being found guilty on two counts of rape, among other charges. He had denied the allegations. Høiby has no royal status.
Mette-Marit also faced renewed scrutiny regarding her past association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier convicted of sex trafficking. In a televised interview in March 2026, she stated that Epstein had manipulated and deceived her, and that she felt unsafe during a meeting with him in 2013 at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion.
Despite the challenges, the successful transplant offers new hope for the Crown Princess and the Norwegian people. Medical advances in transplant surgery have significantly improved outcomes for pulmonary fibrosis patients, with many going on to lead active, fulfilling lives after recovery.
Source: La Voz - AP Agency
Alfredo S. Quiroga
