Norway's King Harald, 89, in 'extremely serious' condition: palace

Norway's 89-year-old King Harald, who has been hospitalized since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, is now in an extremely serious condition, the palace announced on Thursday. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, acting as regent, have cancelled all royal engagements and are reportedly at his bedside. Haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by rapid destruction of red blood cells, has led to fatigue and shortness of breath for the king.

The palace provided no further details about the king's health. Norway's King Harald V, who has had several health issues in recent years, including a pacemaker and reduced official schedule, has ruled out abdication, stating he took a lifelong oath.