The health of Norway’s King Harald deteriorated over the weekend but he is stable now

Oslo, Norway - Crown Prince Haakon paid a visit to his ailing father, King Harald of Norway, on Monday, as the 89-year-old monarch's health had worsened over the weekend, reported public broadcaster NRK. The king has been on sick leave for several weeks and was admitted to the National Hospital a week ago. He is currently receiving antibiotics for a bacterial blood infection and his condition has responded well to treatment, according to the royal palace, which confirmed that the king's health is stable. No significant change in the king's health was reported on Monday.

Haakon, the crown prince and son of the king, has been serving as regent during the monarch's hospital stay. It was reported last week that the king was suffering from hemolytic anemia and was treated with cortisone, leading to fluid accumulation in the body, which required hospital treatment. Crown Prince Haakon drove to the National Hospital in Oslo on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, expressed his well wishes for the king, stating that "all of Norway is following and thinking about the king." The royal palace emphasized their strong wish that the king continues to receive excellent care from Norway's healthcare system. King Harald ascended to the throne in 1991 and has experienced several hospitalizations in recent years, including treatment for a skin infection in the Canary Islands in February and a temporary pacemaker during a private vacation in Malaysia two years ago.

The king underwent surgery for a permanent pacemaker and returned to Norway aboard a medical airplane, where he was fitted with the permanent device.