Norway continues to have reason to celebrate. Following the enthusiastic reception of the national soccer team, which reached the quarterfinals at the World Cup for the first time, the next good news followed on Tuesday. The royal house announced in the morning: "Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been discharged from the National Hospital following her lung transplant."
"Living with fibrosis is not for the faint of heart"
"I am deeply grateful", the Crown Princess is quoted in the press release. Her special thanks go to all the people who have decided to become organ donors. "This decision has given me life. Words are not enough to express how grateful and humble I am for this."
At the same time, Mette-Marit thanked everyone who had accompanied her on her long journey. She counted her family as well as doctors, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists and other healthcare workers. They all make an irreplaceable contribution to the Norwegian healthcare system on a daily basis.
In addition, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon (52) sent "a special greeting to my fibrosis friends": "You have been simply wonderful during one of the most difficult phases of my life. Living with fibrosis is not for the faint of heart, and I think every day about how strong you are." She is very grateful for the support she has received from so many people throughout Norway during her illness. This gave her strength when she needed it most.
Haakon shows relief
The Crown Prince is also quoted in the official statement: "It is a great relief to have the Crown Princess back home. We are all very happy that the first phase has gone so well. We are also incredibly impressed with Oslo University Hospital. Although we know that a long road to recovery lies ahead and complications may occur, it is a very good feeling to have come this far."
Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in June after her chronic pulmonary fibrosis had deteriorated significantly in the months before. On July 5, the court published a photo of the 52-year-old after the procedure for the first time. In it, she watched the World Cup match of the Norwegian national team against Brazil together with Crown Prince Haakon on a sofa in the palace in Oslo. At the same time, the court announced that Mette-Marit would continue to be treated in the hospital.
No appointments for Mette-Marit for the time being
The Crown Princess's health condition is good under the circumstances, Are Holm, the head of the pulmonary department at Rikshospitalet, now explained. He also described how things will continue for the 52-year-old: "Over the next six months, the Crown Princess will undergo training and will be closely monitored to detect possible complications such as rejection reactions and infections early. With a good course, it often takes about a year for the condition to stabilize."
During the rehabilitation period, Mette-Marit will not assume any official duties, as the palace further announced. Crown Prince Haakon generally intends to continue with his appointments, but will adapt his schedule to his wife's condition. He will make appropriate arrangements to be able to be with her.
