Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has been discharged from hospital following her lung transplant surgery, issuing an emotional statement thanking healthcare workers for their support. The 52-year-old royal underwent the transplant in June as she continued to battle pulmonary fibrosis, a condition diagnosed in 2018 that had worsened in recent months.
Health Update and Gratitude
According to Are Holm, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, the princess's condition is “as good as can be expected”, adding that her rehabilitation will be closely monitored over the coming months. The Crown Princess released a statement expressing her deep gratitude to organ donors, family, and friends.
She said: “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.” She also thanked her family, doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals, as well as all those who contribute to the Norwegian health service.
Message to Fibrosis Patients
She continued: “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.”
Son's Release from Prison
The encouraging health update comes just hours after it was revealed that her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was due to be released from prison. Høiby, the future Queen of Norway's son from a previous relationship, was convicted of two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison last month. While awaiting trial, he was held at Oslo prison, and after sentencing on June 15, he was moved to Ila Detention and Security Prison near Oslo.
According to reports from Norwegian news outlet NRK, Marius was due to be released today and will be allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence at his stepfather's 140-room home, Skagum, while wearing an electronic ankle monitor. Høiby's defence attorney, Petar Sekulic, said: “Høiby is quite pleased with this. He asked to be released, and he's very happy with the outcome.” It is believed the 29-year-old will be required to take part in a police-run program to prevent reoffending.
