‘Deeply grateful’: Crown princess of Norway discharged from hospital after lung transplant

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been discharged from Oslo’s University Hospital, almost a month after her lung transplant operation.

The future queen labelled her battle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis “one of the most challenging phases of life” in a statement released by the royal household.

The crown princess released a statement saying she was “deeply grateful” for those who choose to be organ donors and for the support she’s had from the public during her health battle.

“First, I would like to thank everyone who chooses organ donation. It has given me the gift of life, and words fall short when I try to describe how grateful and humble I am for this,” she said.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed me on this long journey. My family, doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare personnel, and everyone else who makes an irreplaceable contribution to the Norwegian healthcare system every day.

“I want to send a special shout out to my fibro friends. You have been exceptional during one of the most challenging phases of life.

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“Living with fibrosis is not for the faint of heart, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about how strong you are.

“I really appreciate the care I have received during my illness from so many people all over Norway. It has given me strength when I needed it most.”

Mette-Marit’s husband, Crown Prince Haakon, shared his “great relief” to have his wife home from hospital.

“We are all very happy that the first phase has gone as well as it has,” Haakon said.

“Although we know that there is a long road of recovery ahead of us, and that complications may arise, it feels very good to have come this far.”

The royal household confirmed the future queen would undergo six months of rehabilitation and follow-up appointments but was likely to need 12 months for a full recovery.

In that time, the 52-year-old will not carry out any official engagements.

The news of Mette-Marit’s return home came at the same time news broke of her eldest son’s possible return home.

Marius Borg Høiby, her son from a previous relationship, was last month sentenced to four years in prison for various offences, including two counts of rape.

According to local media, he’s set to appeal the sentence and for four weeks during this process he will be released from jail on house arrest, with an ankle monitor in place.

It will allow the 29-year-old, who has no royal role or title, to be with his mum as she recovers.

The mother-of-three also has her daughter back with her, after Princess Ingrid Alexandra paused her studies at the University of Sydney to be by her mum’s side, as well as assist her dad in his ongoing duties.