OSLO, Norway — The Norwegian Royal House has issued an update confirming that 89-year-old King Harald V’s health declined over the weekend, days after he was admitted to Oslo’s National University Hospital for ongoing chronic health complications. The aged monarch, who has ruled the Scandinavian nation since 1991, had already been on medical leave for several weeks ahead of his hospital admission one week prior to the latest update.
Late Sunday, palace representatives announced that the king is currently undergoing antibiotic treatment to target a newly diagnosed bacterial blood infection, and that he has shown positive preliminary responses to the therapeutic course. As of the latest update, his condition is classified as stable.
Last week, palace officials clarified the root of the king’s current hospital stay: King Harald lives with hemolytic anemia, a chronic blood condition that has required long-term management with cortisone medication. Ongoing cortisone treatment triggered a dangerous accumulation of fluid in his body, which necessitated urgent inpatient medical intervention.
In the king’s absence during his medical leave, his son and heir apparent, Crown Prince Haakon, has stepped into the role of regent, carrying out the formal constitutional duties of the monarchy on a temporary basis.
The 89-year-old king has faced growing health challenges in recent years, with multiple hospital admissions for routine and urgent care as his chronic conditions progress.