Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent the 'life-saving' procedure last month
Crown Prince Haakon has given a rare health update on his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, after her lung transplant last month.
Haakon provided the update on the 52-year-old, who has battled pulmonary fibrosis since her diagnosis in 2018, while visiting the town of Krokstadelva in Drammen.
The future King of Norway had arrived in the town to meet locals and rescue teams after a significant wildfire in the region, when he delivered the good news.
"Fortunately, things are improving, thank you. But it's only the beginning of a long road to recovery," he told the media.
The Norwegian Palace announced that Mette-Marit had been discharged from hospital earlier this month after undergoing the "life-saving" operation.
She had been placed on the transplant list, with Professor Are Holm, a respiratory specialist at Oslo University Hospital, revealing the list is reserved for patients with just "one year left to live".
Dr Holm said Mette-Marit's condition is "as good as can be expected" following the procedure.
Meanwhile, the Crown Princess released a statement saying she is "deeply grateful" and has been "given the gift of life".
"It is a great relief to have the Crown Princess back home after her hospitalisation," the Crown Prince said after she was discharged.
"We are all very pleased that the first phase has gone so well. We are very impressed with Oslo University Hospital.
"While we know that a long road to recovery lies ahead and that complications may arise, we are very satisfied to have made it this far."
Mette-Marit's recovery has coincided with a remarkably busy period for the Norwegian royals.
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The crown prince, Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Ingrid Alexandra all travelled to the US as Norway made it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they were beaten by England.
And earlier this week, Haakon celebrated his 53rd birthday, with the Norwegian Palace releasing a new portrait of the royal.
"Many congratulations to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, who turns 53 today!" the caption read.
Additionally, the crown princess's son from an earlier marriage, Marius Borg Høiby, was recently released under house arrest as he continues to appeal his sentence for rape and other charges.
He was found guilty of two counts of rape, domestic abuse and other offences, and sentenced to four years in prison last month.
Speaking in front of the Oslo District Court on Monday, Høiby said he finds the arrangements around visiting his mother during her illness "extremely unreasonable", according to NRK.
He said it has been "incredibly difficult" not being able to take part in supporting his mother in her recovery.
"This is a long process that is incredibly demanding. My whole family is at home and gets to be part of the rehabilitation, standing on the outside is incredibly tough."
It is understood that he is only allowed to visit his mother once a week for a 45-minute visit.
The Palace told GB News that the "Crown Prince Couple wishes to support him through his current phase."
