In brief
The 89‑year‑old Norwegian monarch is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial bloodstream infection, prompting the Royal Palace to announce his continued hospital stay. After a week of treatment and a recent cortisone regimen for haemolytic anaemia, King Harald remains on leave and his son, Crown Prince Haakon, is acting as regent. The palace noted the king’s health has worsened but he is still receiving care. The royal family has faced a challenging year, with other high‑profile medical and legal issues surrounding Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and her family.
Norway’s King Harald V has been admitted to Oslo University Hospital for a bloodstream bacterial infection, according to the Royal Palace. The 89‑year‑old monarch remains in hospital receiving antibiotics, and his condition has deteriorated.
The palace confirmed that King Harald will continue to receive treatment at the hospital and will remain on sick leave from royal duties until further notice. He was first admitted to the hospital a week ago.
King Harald has been previously treated with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood condition that reduces red‑cell numbers and can cause severe fatigue. The pall is compounded by a pacemaker installation after a fall in Malaysia.
With his son, Crown Prince Haakon, acting as regent, the Norwegian royalty faces a complex situation—notably the Crown Princess’s lung transplant and recent family legal matters. The palace’s precautionary stance reflects the king’s age and health risks.
View the image of King Harald during a press conference in Aarhus, Denmark, on 16 June 2023.
