Norway's King Harald V, the country's 89-year-old monarch, is in "very serious" condition, according to a statement from the Royal Court. The announcement led to the cancellation of all scheduled engagements by Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Sonja.
This update follows previous reports from the Royal Court that indicated the King was stable and responding to treatment for a bacterial infection in his blood. The most recent statement, issued on the morning of the report, stated, "His Majesty the King's state of health is very serious." No further details have been released at this time.
King Harald has been undergoing treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a condition characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue, paleness, and breathing difficulties. The palace had previously indicated on Sunday that his health had deteriorated over the weekend following the contraction of an infection. Members of the Norwegian Royal Family have been seen outside the Oslo hospital where he is admitted.
Both of the King's children, Crown Prince Haakon, who has been serving as Regent in his father's absence, and former Princess Martha Louise, were reportedly at Oslo University Hospital to be with King Harald. This difficult period for the royal family is compounded by Martha Louise's husband, Durek Verrett, who recently underwent a successful kidney transplant.
King Harald was admitted to the hospital on August 17 and placed on sick leave for two weeks. The palace had stated that the King had been treated with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia in recent weeks, which led to fluid accumulation requiring hospitalization. Crown Prince Haakon is serving as Regent during this period.
The Norwegian monarch has experienced several health issues this year, including a planned check-up earlier in the month. In February, he was hospitalized in Tenerife for an infection and dehydration, with his condition at the time described as satisfactory. Two years ago, a similar health incident while on holiday in Malaysia resulted in him receiving a pacemaker.
Despite his health challenges, King Harald has consistently stated he will not abdicate, citing a lifelong oath taken upon his ascension to the throne in 1991.
The royal family has also faced scrutiny in recent months concerning Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Reports emerged that she had stayed at Epstein's Palm Beach mansion in 2013, after his conviction for soliciting sex from minors, and that emails suggested continued contact with him shortly before his death. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, issued an apology, stating the emails did not represent her true self. King Harald defended his daughter-in-law, emphasizing she had not acted illegally and had severed ties early.
Separately, Queen Sonja was hospitalized earlier in the year due to heart problems, experiencing heart fibrillation and heart failure. She was later discharged and reported to be in much better form. The 89-year-old Queen had a pacemaker fitted the previous year following cardiac fibrillation.