Norway's Royal Palace said in a statement on Aug. 23 that King Harald V, aged 89, has seen his health deteriorate during hospitalisation but is now in stable condition. During his sick leave, Crown Prince Haakon is serving as temporary regent, performing the duties of head of state.
The statement said that the King was admitted to hospital on Aug. 17 due to worsening health. In the weeks prior, he had been receiving cortisone treatment for hemolytic anaemia, which led to fluid retention requiring hospital care. After admission, the King developed a blood infection over the weekend, causing his condition to deteriorate further. He is now receiving antibiotic treatment, to which he has responded, and his condition is stable.
King Harald V ascended to the throne in January 1991 and is one of Europe's longest‑reigning monarchs. In recent years, he has been hospitalised multiple times for health issues, including the implantation of a permanent pacemaker in March 2024. Due to his age, the Palace announced in April 2024 that the King would permanently reduce his public engagements.
The King has been placed on sick leave until further notice, with Crown Prince Haakon serving as regent in the interim. The Norwegian public has expressed deep concern for the King's health, and the Palace said it will provide updates as appropriate.
Related News:
OMG | #BecomingChinese: An American journalist explains the viral trend taking over social feeds
OMG | Musk on AI's 'ceiling': Electricity may be the bottleneck—and China's advantage is growing
Comment