Norway's King Harald Facing 'Extremely Serious' Health Crisis, Palace Announces

Norway's King Harald, currently hospitalised with a blood disease, has experienced a health deterioration, with the palace announcing that he is in an “extremely serious” condition.

In response to the illness, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon—who is serving as regent—have cancelled all of their royal engagements, according to a statement released by the palace on Thursday.

The palace noted in the statement that “His Majesty the King’s health condition is extremely serious,” though no further details were provided. Norwegian media reported that members of the king's family, including the queen, Haakon, and his wife Mette-Marit, were seen arriving at the hospital to be at his bedside.

Europe’s oldest reigning monarch has remained in an Oslo hospital since August 17, receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia. The condition involves an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells, resulting in fatigue and shortness of breath.

The monarch originally gained admission to Oslo University Hospital due to fluid retention brought on by cortisone treatment. King Harald, who took the Norwegian throne in 1991, has faced various health issues in recent years, leading to a pacemaker installation and a reduced official schedule. Despite these challenges, he has consistently refused to abdicate, citing a lifelong oath he took before the Norwegian parliament.