We’re so sorry to hear this. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has revealed that she’s sadly been diagnosed with the lung disease chronic pulmonary fibrosis. The 45-year-old royal announced the news via an official palace statement on Thursday, Oct. 25.

“For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what these are in. 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 without official program. In connection with treatment and when the disease is more active, this will be necessary,” Princess Mette-Marit said, according to People.

Princess Mette-Marit Lung Disease family
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

“Although such a diagnosis in times will limit my life, I’m glad that the disease has been discovered so early,” she continued. “My goal is still to work and participate in the official program as much as possible.”

WebMD explains that chronic pulmonary fibrosis “causes scar tissue to grow inside your lungs. Usually, when you breathe in, oxygen moves through tiny air sacs into your bloodstream. From there, it travels to organs in your body.” A spokesperson for Norway’s royal family added that it’s “not yet clear” if Princess Mette-Marit’s condition “is linked to a more extensive autoimmune disease process or if there are other causes that underlie the lung changes” but the royal’s prognosis “is favorable considering the prognosis.”

Her doctor, Professor Kristian Bjøro at the National Hospital, further explained, “The Crown Princess will have to undergo further investigation in the future and also treatment trials.” We’re thinking of you during this time, Princess Mette-Marit.

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