Norway's princess had a lung transplant for life-threatening condition
Norway's princess had a lung transplant for life-threatening condition
Sara Moniuszko, USA TODAYTue, June 23, 2026 at 2:46 PM UTC
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Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has undergone a lung transplant to treat a progressive lung disease called chronic pulmonary fibrosis.
According to a statement released by the royal family on June 17, Mette-Marit's transplant surgery, which took place at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, was successful.
"We are delighted that everything has progressed well so far," Are Holm, professor of medicine at the university and senior consultant and respiratory specialist at Rikshospitalet, said in the statement. The princess, 52, will remain at the hospital for several weeks, Holm added, which is "standard practice for all recent transplant recipients."
Norway's Crown Princess Mette Marit wearing breathing assistance waves as the Crown Prince's family holds a reception for the Norwegian athletes from the Paralympics in Milano Cortina 2026 at the Palace in Oslo, Norway, April 10, 2026.What is pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that worsens over time and occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, according to Mayo Clinic.
"This thickened, stiff tissue makes it harder for the lungs to work properly," the clinic added.
Lung damage caused by pulmonary fibrosis cannot be repaired, according to the clinic. Medicines and therapies can sometimes slow down the rate of fibrosis, ease symptoms and improve quality of life, but for some people, a lung transplant might be an option, the clinic adds.
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Pulmonary fibrosis symptoms
According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
Shortness of breath
Breathing in short, shallow spurts
Dry cough
Fatigue
Weight loss
Clubbed fingers
Bluish, gray or white skin around your lips, eyes or nails
What causes pulmonary fibrosis?
In most cases, the specific cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, Cleveland Clinic explains, but experts think it may happen when your lungs don't heal properly from damage or inflammation.
Specific causes may include environmental exposures, certain diseases, medications or treatments and smoking, the clinic adds.
How long can you live with pulmonary fibrosis?
"The life expectancy of someone with the most common form, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is three to five years," the Cleveland Clinic notes. "But life expectancies for people with PF have been getting longer in recent years."
In a statement on June 5 announcing the princess was placed on the lung transplant waiting list, the royal family called the chronic lung disease "serious" and "life-threatening."
A lung transplant can improve quality of life and allow someone to live longer, Mayo Clinic adds, but the surgery can involve complications such as rejection and infection. It's important to discuss the best treatment options with your doctor, both clinics advise.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Norway's princess had a lung transplant for chronic pulmonary fibrosis
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