King Harald V’s Health Deteriorates Amid Hospital Treatment

OSLO, Norway — Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald V is facing a further health setback after his condition deteriorated over the weekend while he remains in hospital, the Norwegian Royal Palace said Sunday.

Europe’s oldest reigning monarch is being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than the body can replace them. The disorder can cause symptoms including fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath.

“His Majesty the King’s health deteriorated over the weekend,” the palace said in a statement.

The monarch is also receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. Palace officials said he has responded to the treatment.

King Admitted to Hospital

King Harald was admitted to Oslo University Hospital after developing fluid retention linked to the cortisone treatment he has been receiving for his blood disorder.

He was subsequently placed on sick leave for two weeks as doctors continued to monitor and treat his condition.

The palace has also confirmed that the king will not attend a planned visit to the central Norwegian region of Trøndelag on September 1 and 2, despite those dates falling after the end of his previously announced period of sick leave.

Crown Prince Haakon Serves as Regent

King Harald, who ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, has experienced several health problems in recent years. Despite his recurring medical difficulties, he has repeatedly ruled out abdicating the throne.

In his absence, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, is serving as regent and carrying out the monarch’s official duties.

Several members of the royal family have visited King Harald in hospital as he continues his treatment.

Difficult Period for the Norwegian Royal Family

The king’s latest health concerns come at a challenging time for Norway’s royal family.

Crown Prince Haakon’s wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has faced scrutiny over her connections to the late convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of two rapes and 32 other offences, including violence against a former partner. He has appealed the verdict.

Despite the controversies surrounding some members of the family and the king’s ongoing health problems, the Norwegian monarchy remains broadly popular among the public.

For now, the focus is on King Harald’s recovery as medical teams continue to treat his anaemia and bloodstream infection. The palace’s statement that he has responded to antibiotic treatment offers some reassurance, although his reported deterioration over the weekend underscores the seriousness of his current condition.