In brief
King Harald V, 89, of Norway is still hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital after a bloodstream bacterial infection steered him onto a new ward with antibiotics. The palace confirmed that, although his condition has worsened, the monarch is currently responding to treatment and will remain on sick leave until further notice. The 30‑year‑old crown prince, Haakon, has been acting as regent throughout the king’s absence. Earlier this year the king was treated for hemolytic anaemia and fitted with a pacemaker after a holiday illness. The palace’s update underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the Norwegian royal health and the wider context of recent events affecting the family.
King Harald V of Norway's health has worsened, the palace said, as he remains in hospital receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream.
The 89‑year‑old monarch, who has reigned since 1991, is still undergoing treatment and will remain at Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet) on leave from royal duties until further notice.
He was admitted to hospital and placed on sick leave a week ago. For the past several weeks he has been treated for a rare blood condition, hemolytic anaemia, which reduces the number of red blood cells and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath. Earlier this year the palace announced a permanent reduction in his public engagements because of his age.
During the king’s absence, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has served as regent and performed the duties of the head of state.
The royal family has faced further challenges in 2026: Mette‑Marit, the crown princess, received a lung transplant after a rare pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis, while their son, Marius Borg Høiby, faced a prison sentence following a rape conviction. These events have added to the public focus on the family’s personal and health matters.
The palace will issue further updates as the king’s condition evolves.
