The palace announced that King Harald V’s condition has worsened as he continues treatment for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. Despite the decline in his health status, medical officials report that the 89-year-old has responded positively to antibiotic therapy. He will remain hospitalized and on medical leave from his official responsibilities until further notice.
The monarch was initially admitted to the hospital a week prior and placed on sick leave at that time. Crown Prince Haakon, age 53, has assumed the role of regent during his father’s absence from public duties. King Harald has served as Norway’s sovereign since 1991.
Recently, the king underwent treatment with cortisone for a rare blood disorder known as haemolytic anaemia, which reduces red blood cell counts and causes symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath. Earlier in April 2024, the royal household announced that King Harald would reduce his public schedule significantly in consideration of his advanced age. That same year, he received a pacemaker following an illness he experienced while on holiday in Malaysia.
The Norwegian royal family has experienced several significant developments in 2026. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, underwent a lung transplant in June following a diagnosis of rare pulmonary fibrosis that was made in 2018. Additionally, Mette-Marit faced public scrutiny following the release of documents detailing her past communications with the late Jeffrey Epstein, for which she subsequently offered an apology and acknowledged poor judgment in a television interview.
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