Norway's King Harald, 89, in Extremely Serious Condition with Haemolytic Anaemia

Norway's King Harald V, 89, has been admitted to hospital in an extremely serious condition. The Royal Palace announced that the monarch has been diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced by the bone marrow.

The entire royal family has gathered at the king's bedside, underscoring the gravity of his condition. Crown Prince Haakon has formally assumed regency duties, a constitutional provision that allows him to carry out state functions on the monarch's behalf during his incapacitation.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a scheduled trip to Germany in response to the news, reflecting the seriousness with which the Norwegian government is treating the situation. Further government and state functions are being managed accordingly.

King Harald has faced a series of health challenges in recent years. He underwent heart surgery in 2022 and has had a pacemaker fitted. Despite his age and health difficulties, he has remained active in his royal duties up until this hospitalisation.

Harald V has been Norway's monarch since 1991. He is married to Queen Sonja, and the couple are parents of Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise. The king is widely respected across Norway and is known for his approachable style.

The palace has not yet given a prognosis or indicated when an update on the king's condition might be provided.