Norway: King Harald's Health Has 'Deteriorated,' Palace Says

Norway's King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, is presently undergoing treatment at Oslo University Hospital due to deteriorating health, according to a statement released by the palace. The 89-year-old monarch, who has been hospitalized since August 17, 2026, is battling haemolytic anaemia, a condition marked by the rapid destruction of red blood cells leading to fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath.

King Harald's medical team has reported that he responded well to treatment for a bacterial infection in his blood and is currently being given antibiotics. However, he has also been experiencing fluid retention from cortisone treatment, which has prompted hospital admission and a two-week sick leave. The palace has previously announced King Harald's cancellation of a planned visit to Norway's central Trondelag region, slated for September 1 and 2, following the conclusion of his sick leave period.

Family members have visited King Harald in the hospital, with Norway's Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, and their wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, all making appearances. However, none of them released public statements upon leaving the hospital. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is also 89 years old, recently underwent a lung transplant due to her own serious lung disease.

Her son from a previous marriage, Marius Borg Hoiby, is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for multiple rape charges and other violent offenses against a former partner.