norwegianroyalfamily:

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been diagnosed with a chronic lung disease that could limit the exercise of her official program.

Crown Princess over time undergone extensive studies related to their health and there is evidence of an unusual variant of fibrosis in the lungs, according to the Crown Princess physician, Professor Kristian Bjøro at the National Hospital. It is not yet clear whether the lung disease is part of a more comprehensive autoimmune disease process, or whether there are other causes that underlie lung changes.

“For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what these are. The condition means that the working capacity will vary. The Crown Prince and I choose to inform about this now, partly because in future there will be a need to plan periods of time without official program. In connection with the treatment, and when the disease is more active, this will be necessary,” says the Crown Princess.

Professor Bjøro informs that lung changes have already been followed for several years, and the disease development in this period has been slow. Examination and treatment of it is taking place at the Rikshospitalet in Oslo, and with collaboration with doctors abroad.

“The Crown Princess will have to undergo further ‘investigation’ in the future and also treatment trials. With such state of the Crown Princess, it is common for us to cooperate with environments abroad,” says Bjøro.

He further states that the reason for the type of fibrosis the Crown Princess has been shown is known to a small extent, but there is broad agreement that it is not related to environmental or lifestyle factors as is the case with other more common types of pulmonary fibrosis.

The fact that the disease is detected in an early stage, is beneficial in terms of prognosis.

“Even if such a diagnosis will restrict my life, I am happy that the disease has been detected so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official program as much as possible,” says the Crown Princess.

Source: The Royal Court