King Harald V of Norway has been released from a medical facility in Spain’s Canary Islands after responding positively to treatment for a leg skin infection. The 89-year-old monarch, who celebrated his birthday last weekend, was admitted to a Tenerife hospital on Tuesday during a private vacation with Queen Sonja.
According to a Thursday announcement from the royal palace, the king demonstrated rapid recovery following medical intervention. His personal physician, Dr. Bjørn Bendz, who traveled to Tenerife on Wednesday, will remain on site for several additional days to monitor the monarch’s condition. The royal household confirmed that the king and queen intend to continue their vacation itinerary, with no definitive timeline established for their return to Norway.
This medical episode evokes parallels to a previous health incident two years prior, when the king required emergency cardiac intervention during a private visit to Malaysia. That event culminated in the implantation of a permanent pacemaker following his medically-assisted repatriation.
The king’s hospitalization occurs during a period of intensified scrutiny toward the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, spouse of heir apparent Crown Prince Haakon, has recently faced renewed examination regarding her past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Concurrently, her son from a previous relationship is currently undergoing judicial proceedings in Oslo, confronting multiple allegations including charges of sexual assault.
King Harald, who ascended to the throne in 1991, remains Europe’s oldest reigning sovereign despite these recent health challenges.