The Crown Princess’ health

The Crown Princess has undergone extensive medical examination over some time and an unusual variant of fibrosis has been detected in the lungs, according to the Crown Princess’ physician, Professor Kristian Bjøro of Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. It is not yet clear whether the pulmonary disease is linked to a more extensive autoimmune disease process, or whether there are other causes that underlie the lung changes.

“For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what is involved. The condition means that my working capacity will vary. The Crown Prince and I are choosing to make this public now partly because in future there will be a need to plan periods of time without an official programme to accommodate treatment and when the disease is more active,” says the Crown Princess.

Professor Bjøro states that the hospital has already been monitoring the lung condition of the Crown Princess for several years, and the disease progression has been slow over this period. Investigation and treatment are taking place at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet in cooperation with medical professionals abroad.

“The Crown Princess will need to undergo further investigation and trial treatment in future. With conditions such as the Crown Princess has, it is common for us to cooperate with medical groups abroad,” says Professor Bjøro.

He further states that little is known about the cause of this type of fibrosis, but there is broad consensus that, unlike other more common types of pulmonary fibrosis, it is not related to environmental or lifestyle factors.

The fact that the disease has been detected at an early stage improves her prognosis. “Even if such a diagnosis will limit my life at times, I am glad that the disease has been discovered so early. My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible,” says the Crown Princess.