King Harald’s health crisis: Norway’s royal family gathers at bedside
King Harald V of Norway is in an 'extremely serious' condition in hospital as the royal family and government respond to his deteriorating health.
The update
Norway’s King Harald V is in an “extremely serious” condition at Oslo University Hospital, the royal household announced. The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized since August 17 due to a rare blood condition, haemolytic anaemia, which causes fatigue and shortness of breath. The condition developed after treatment with cortisone.
Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have cancelled all royal engagements and are at the hospital with other family members, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Astrid. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is acting as regent during his father’s absence. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has cancelled a planned trip to Germany.
Why it matters
King Harald is Europe’s oldest reigning monarch and has been on the throne since 1991. His health has been a concern in recent years; he was fitted with a pacemaker in 2024 after falling ill on holiday. The king has ruled out abdicating, citing a lifelong oath taken before Norway’s parliament.
What to watch
The palace has provided no further details on the king’s condition. Public reaction in Norway is being monitored closely, with flowers already beginning to appear at Palace Square. The constitutional protocols for succession remain in place, with Crown Prince Haakon serving as regent.
Sources
- aljazeera.com — King Harald's condition status, hospitalization dates, family presence, regency details, and abdication stance.
- bbc.co.uk — Specific blood condition (haemolytic anaemia), cortisone treatment side effects, and government response.