Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon has shared a new update just one week after his wife was discharged from hospital following a life-saving lung transplant.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, underwent the procedure in June as a result of her chronic lung disease.
“Fortunately, things are getting better, thank you,” Prince Haakon told reporters on Monday, according to local media outlet NRK.
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“But it’s the beginning of a pretty long road to getting better.”
The royal, who is married to Prince Haakon — the heir to the Norwegian throne — was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.
The rare and chronic condition causes scar tissue to build up in the lungs, stiffening them and making it increasingly difficult to breathe and for oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
Before the transplant, Mette-Marit was seen in public wearing a nasal canula, a device that delivers oxygen support to help breathing.
“It is a great relief to have the Crown Princess back home from hospital,” Haakon said in a statement last week following his wife’s discharge.
“We are all very happy that the initial phase has gone as well as it has.
“We are also immensely impressed by Oslo University Hospital.
“Although we know that there is a long period of recovery ahead of us, and that complications may arise, it feels very good to have come this far.”
Following her discharge, Are Holm, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital, said Mette-Marit was recovering well from the surgery.
“The Crown Princess’ condition is as good as can be expected under the circumstances,” Holm said, addressing local press.
“Over the next six months, the Crown Princess will undergo physical rehabilitation and be closely monitored for possible complications, including rejection and infections.”
Mette-Marit is not expected to carry out any royal engagements during the next six months, while Haakon will scale back his own schedule to remain by her side.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra will complete her semester of university in Oslo after returning from Australia, where she had been completing a degree at the University of Sydney, to support her mother.
The couple’s son, Prince Sverre Magnus, is also at home with the family.
Meanwhile, Princess Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, was released to house arrest last week.
Although an Oslo court sentenced Hoiby to four years in prison in June for convictions including rape and domestic violence, he was moved to house arrest while he appeals the verdict.
The court mandated Hoiby remain under electronic monitoring while he lives at Skaugum, the royal residence of Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit.
