Crown Prince Haakon has given a rare health update on his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who recently underwent a major surgery. Norway’s future King returned to public engagements last Sunday after his wife’s ordeal. He carried out appearances in Oslo, including meetings with residents and rescue teams in Drammen following a huge fire, and the opening of a memorial for the July 22 terrorist attacks.
Recovery journey ahead
While speaking to the media after the engagements, Haakon said that “things are improving,” but there is still a long way to recovery for his wife. He said: “Fortunately, things are improving, thank you. But it's only the beginning of a long road to recovery.”
Lung transplant and hospital discharge
Last Tuesday, the Palace announced Mette-Marit was discharged from hospital following a lung transplant operation. They said her condition is “as good as can be expected” and that she will not be carrying out engagements during the rehabilitation period.
Are 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.”
Gratitude for organ donation
Mette-Marit said in a statement last week: “I am deeply grateful. First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who makes 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.
“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.”
