King Harald V of Norway has been admitted to the National Hospital for treatment related to a blood disease, the royal palace announced Monday. The 89-year-old monarch is being treated for hemolytic anemia, a condition for which he has received cortisone in recent weeks. The palace stated that this treatment has led to fluid accumulation in the body that requires hospitalization.
Harald has been on sick leave for two weeks, with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, serving as regent during this period. The King's hospitalization comes after a series of health issues in recent years.
In February, King Harald was hospitalized in Spain's Canary Islands for a skin infection during a winter vacation. Approximately two years prior, he fell ill during a private trip in Malaysia, where he received a temporary pacemaker. Following his return to Norway, he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker.
King Harald has been the monarch of Norway since 1991.