King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on August 17, 2026, due to fluid retention caused by cortisone treatment for haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial bloodstream infection [1, 2, 3]. The King, aged 89, experienced a deterioration in his health over the weekend before August 24, but palace officials confirmed he is responding to antibiotic treatment for the infection [2, 3, 4].
The Norwegian Palace stated, "His Majesty the King’s health deteriorated over the weekend. The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood and has responded to this treatment" [2]. Another statement said, “King Harald’s health status worsened over the weekend due to complications from blood disease. He is currently under antibiotic treatment and responding to it" [3].
King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, has faced multiple health issues in recent years including a pacemaker implant and permanent reductions in his public duties due to age [1, 5]. This current hospitalization led to the King being placed on sick leave starting around August 17 for two weeks, with Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, acting as regent during this period [1, 2, 5].
Several close family members—including Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and the King’s sister—have visited the King in the hospital, but none made comments upon leaving [2, 3, 6]. Queen Sonja herself, also 89, was briefly hospitalized for heart problems in May 2026 [2, 5]. Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in June 2026 due to pulmonary fibrosis and has recently faced media scrutiny for past associations [1, 5].
The King’s public appearances scheduled for September 1 and 2, 2026, in the Trondelag region have been canceled amid his recovery [1, 7, 4]. Medical officials have not provided a specific prognosis, but the palace’s emphasis on the King responding to treatment suggests cautious optimism.
King Harald was previously hospitalized with infection and dehydration during a private trip to Tenerife in February 2026 [1, 5]. Current care at Oslo University Hospital will continue with Crown Prince Haakon managing royal duties until the King’s condition improves [1, 2].
