Norwegian Royal Family Convenes at Hospital as King Harald V’s Health Declines

The Norwegian Royal House has announced that King Harald V is in “extremely serious” condition while receiving hospital treatment.

Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have canceled all scheduled royal engagements to remain by the King’s side at Oslo University Hospital, joined by other members of the royal family.

The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized for over a week battling haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood disorder.

Having reigned since 1991, King Harald is currently the oldest head of state in Europe.

During the King’s medical leave, 53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon has been performing royal duties in his capacity as regent.

In recent weeks, medical staff have treated the King with cortisone to manage his haemolytic anaemia, a condition characterized by a reduction in red blood cells that results in significant fatigue and shortness of breath.

On Thursday morning, members of the royal family, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, were observed arriving at the hospital.

Local Norwegian media also report that the King’s sister, Princess Astrid, is present at the hospital.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre issued a statement expressing national solidarity, saying, “The entire nation stands with us, sending our warmest thoughts to the King and the royal family.”

The King’s health has been a growing concern in recent years, necessitating a reduction in his official responsibilities.

Following an illness while vacationing in Malaysia, he was fitted with a pacemaker in 2024.

The Norwegian monarchy has faced a particularly turbulent period in 2026.

In June, Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant following a diagnosis of a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.

The medical procedure occurred just two days after her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison for two counts of rape. Høiby, 29, has denied the most serious charges and is currently appealing the verdict.

Høiby, who is not a member of the royal family, was four years old when Mette-Marit married Crown Prince Haakon.

Earlier this year, the royal family also dealt with controversy following the release of documents detailing Mette-Marit’s previous associations with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a national television interview, the Crown Princess apologized to the King and Queen for her three-year friendship with Epstein, citing “poor judgement” and expressing deep regret over the association.

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