King Harald V, 89, has been in Oslo University Hospital since August 17 for treatment of haemolytic anaemia and related complications, the royal court said. His condition is described as very serious or extremely serious by different official sources [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The king developed a bacterial bloodstream infection treated with antibiotics, with initial reports stating he responded to the treatment [2, 3, 5]. He had previously received cortisone therapy and experienced fluid buildup, factors contributing to his hospitalization [1, 3, 4, 5]. Royal commentator Ole-Jorgen Schulsrud-Hansen noted, "When they use such strong words, we must take those words for what they are worth," regarding the severity of the king's condition [4].
King Harald has reigned since 1991 and is currently Europe’s oldest monarch and head of state [1, 2, 4, 5]. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is serving as regent during the king’s illness [1, 5]. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have canceled all engagements to stay by the king’s bedside, joined by other family members including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Astrid, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus, who have visited the hospital [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed support for 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" and added, "I am confident that the king is being well taken care of, and that he is receiving good and compassionate treatment" [1, 5].
King Harald’s health has been fragile in recent years. In 2024, he was fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill during a holiday in Malaysia and announced plans to reduce official duties without abdicating [1, 2, 5]. He was hospitalized briefly in February 2026 for infection and dehydration during a private trip to Tenerife, and Queen Sonja was hospitalized in May for heart problems [5]. The royal family has faced additional challenges with Crown Princess Mette-Marit's lung transplant in June 2026 and controversies related to her connections with Jeffrey Epstein [1, 5].
The king remains under close medical supervision at Oslo University Hospital. Crown Prince Haakon continues as regent, maintaining state functions as the king undergoes treatment [1, 5].
