Norway: Author apologizes for errors regarding Queen Mette-Marit

Author Alfred Fidjestøl has issued an apology after his new book, “Eventyrnettene,” contained incorrect and sensitive details regarding Queen Mette-Marit’s lung transplant. In the book, which focuses on Norway’s World Cup history, Fidjestøl claimed the Queen underwent surgery during a specific football match against Iraq and included unverified details about the donor’s death.

The timing of the Queen’s transplant was previously kept confidential to protect the anonymity of the organ donor, as required by transplant laws. Following the publication, Fidjestøl admitted to Dagbladet that he had misunderstood the timeline and that the information was poorly formulated. He stated, “It is stupidly formulated. I have misunderstood. It should have said that Mette-Marit was recently operated on, not that the procedure took place during the football match.”

Dr. Are Holm, a physician involved in the Queen’s care, criticized the inclusion of such details. The publisher, Gyldendal, has confirmed that the controversial passages will be adjusted and clarified in future printings of the book.