- King Harald is in an extremely serious condition, as confirmed by the palace on Thursday.
- The 89-year-old monarch has been on sick leave for several weeks due to haemolytic anaemia and was admitted to Oslo University Hospital earlier this month.
- Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have cancelled all royal engagements and are gathered at the king's bedside.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a planned trip to Germany, expressing that 'The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family.'
- King Harald's condition had previously stabilized following a bacterial blood infection but worsened recently.
- King Harald has been monarch since 1991 and is Europe’s oldest head of state.
- He has faced multiple health issues in recent years, including a pacemaker fitting and a need to scale back his official schedule.
- King Harald was admitted to the hospital due to fluid retention from cortisone treatment for his condition.
Norwegian King Harald V, 89, is in an “extremely serious” condition at Oslo University Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia. The royal family, including Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, have gathered at his bedside, cancelling all engagements as his health worsens.123
The king has been hospitalized since August 17 and has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including a bacterial blood infection and the need for a pacemaker. His condition had previously stabilized but deteriorated recently, prompting the palace to issue a statement confirming the seriousness of his health status.5
Crown Prince Haakon, who has been serving as regent during his father's illness, was seen arriving at the hospital with his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and other family members, including Princess Astrid. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also expressed support, cancelling a planned trip to Germany to be with the royal family, stating, “The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family.”
King Harald has ruled since 1991 and is Europe’s oldest reigning monarch. Despite his health issues, he has consistently ruled out abdicating, citing his lifelong oath to the Norwegian parliament.
“The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized since August 17 with haemolytic anaemia, a blood condition causing fatigue and shortness of breath. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a planned trip to Germany, saying 'The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family.'”
BBC
