King Harald V of Norway Hospitalized as Health Worsens

Norway's King Harald V, 89, remains hospitalized due to a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, while Crown Prince Haakon serves as regent during his father's leave.

The palace has confirmed that the monarch's health has worsened despite receiving treatment for a bacterial infection. King Harald V was admitted to Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, and placed on sick leave last week. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

She later apologised to Norway's king and queen for her three-year friendship with Epstein and admitted to "poor judgement", adding in a national TV interview that she wished she had never met him.

Norway's king admitted to medical facility and put on sick leave

King Harald V of Norway's health has worsened, the palace has stated, as he remains in medical facility receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

The monarch has responded to treatment despite the deterioration in his condition, according to the palace, but he will remain at Oslo University Medical facility, Rikshospitalet, and on leave from royal duties until further notice.

The 89-year-old, who has been on the throne since 1991, was admitted to medical facility and put on sick leave a week ago.

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His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has been serving as regent while his father is on leave.

King Harald has been treated in recent weeks with cortisone for a rare blood condition, haemolytic anaemia. It causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced, and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath.

In April 2024, Norway's royal household stated that King Harald would make a "permanent reduction" to his public engagements "out of consideration for his age". That year, the king had been fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.

The Norwegian royal family has already faced a challenging year in 2026.

Crown Prince Haakon's wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, received a lung transplant in June after she had been diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.

The transplant came two days after Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Høi He had denied the most serious charges and his lawyers stated he would appeal the sentence.