King Harald V of Norway faces an "extremely serious" health crisis, with members of the royal family gathering at his hospital bedside after his condition deteriorated significantly. The 89-year-old monarch, who has reigned since 1991 and is Europe's oldest head of state, has been receiving intensive treatment at Oslo University Hospital for complications stemming from a rare blood disorder.
Queen Sonja, his wife, and Crown Prince Haakon, his son and heir to the throne, have both cancelled all scheduled royal engagements to remain at the king's side. Other family members, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Astrid, the king's sister, have also gathered at the hospital following the deterioration in his health.
According to , King Harald's condition worsened over the weekend, and he was being treated with antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood, though his condition remained stable at that time. He had been admitted to the hospital on August 17 after experiencing fluid retention linked to cortisone treatment for his underlying haemolytic anaemia, a condition that reduces red blood cells in the body and causes fatigue and shortness of breath.
What is the king's current medical situation?
The monarch has been hospitalised for over a week receiving ongoing treatment for haemolytic anaemia, which he has been managing with cortisone therapy in recent weeks. According to People magazine, he remained in Oslo University Hospital's Rikshospitalet and was placed on sick leave until further notice. The palace statement describing his condition as "extremely serious" marks a significant escalation in the public disclosure of his health struggles.
Who is leading Norway while the king is hospitalised?
Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, has assumed the role of regent during his father's medical leave. The heir to the Norwegian throne has been managing state affairs in the king's absence, a responsibility that underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for continuity in governance.
How has the government responded?
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a planned trip to Germany scheduled for Thursday, where he was expected to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In a statement, Støre expressed the nation's solidarity with the royal family, saying:
"The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family."Members of the public have begun laying flowers in Palace Square in front of the royal palace in Oslo as a gesture of support.
What health challenges has King Harald faced recently?
The king has experienced multiple serious health issues in recent years that have forced him to reduce his royal duties. In 2024, he was fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill during a holiday in Malaysia. His current hospitalisation represents the most serious health crisis he has faced since ascending to the throne more than three decades ago.
What other difficulties has the royal family endured this year?
The Norwegian royal family has navigated an exceptionally challenging 2026. Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in June following a diagnosis of a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis that had been identified in 2018. The transplant procedure occurred just two days after a significant legal development within the family.
Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape. Høiby, who was four years old when his mother married Crown Prince Haakon and holds no official royal status, has denied the most serious charges and intends to appeal the sentence. The trial had drawn considerable public attention given the family's prominence.
Earlier in 2026, documents surfaced revealing that Crown Princess Mette-Marit had maintained frequent contact with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein over a three-year period. She subsequently issued a public apology to King Harald and Queen Sonja, acknowledging "poor judgement" in the friendship. During a national television interview, she expressed regret over the association, stating she wished she had never met Epstein.
What happens next?
According to People magazine, a follow-up palace update was expected the following week after the August 24 statement indicating there were no significant changes in the king's condition. The royal household is expected to provide regular updates on his progress as he continues treatment at Oslo University Hospital.
Key Facts:
- King Harald V, 89, has reigned since 1991 and is Europe's oldest serving head of state
- He is being treated for haemolytic anaemia complicated by a bacterial blood infection requiring antibiotic therapy
- Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is serving as regent and has cancelled all engagements to remain at his father's bedside
- The royal family has faced multiple crises in 2026, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit's lung transplant and her son's rape conviction
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a diplomatic visit to Germany in response to the king's deteriorating health
