OSLO: Norway’s King Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at 89, is in “extremely serious” condition in an Oslo hospital after suffering from a blood disorder and a blood infection, the royal palace said.
The king was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on August 17 with hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. The palace said he has also developed a blood infection.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and other members of the royal family have visited the monarch at the hospital. Haakon, who has been serving as regent during his father’s illness, has also taken on the king’s official duties.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre canceled a planned trip to Germany following the news of the king’s deteriorating condition.
“The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family,” Støre said.
Members of the public have also gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, leaving flowers as they express their support for the king and his family.
Harald has faced several health problems in recent years. In 2024, he underwent a pacemaker procedure after becoming ill while on holiday in Malaysia.
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Harald became Norway’s king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Despite his health challenges, Harald has repeatedly rejected calls to abdicate and has remained committed to serving as Norway’s monarch.
