King of Norway's Health Worsens as Hospital Treatment Continues

King Harald V of Norway has seen his health deteriorate further despite receiving treatment at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, where he remains on sick leave from royal duties until further notice. The palace confirmed that while the 89-year-old monarch has responded to antibiotics prescribed for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, his overall condition has nonetheless worsened.

A Challenging Year for Norway's Royal Family

King Harald was admitted to hospital and placed on sick leave approximately one week ago. In his absence, his son Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has taken on the role of regent, carrying out official duties on behalf of his father. The year 2026 has already been a difficult one for the Norwegian royal family: Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in June after being diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary disease.

King Harald has a history of serious health episodes in recent years. In April 2024, the royal household disclosed that the king would make a permanent reduction in his public engagements due to his age. That same year, he had a pacemaker fitted following an illness during a holiday in Malaysia. He has also recently been treated with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia, a blood condition that reduces the number of red blood cells and can cause fatigue and shortness of breath.

Continuing Hospital Care

According to the palace statement, King Harald will remain at Rikshospitalet and on leave from royal duties for the foreseeable future. Doctors are continuing to monitor his response to the antibiotic treatment. The 89-year-old has been on the Norwegian throne since 1991, making him one of Europe's longest-serving monarchs. His deteriorating health comes at a time of heightened concern for the broader royal family following Crown Princess Mette-Marit's major surgery earlier this year.