Norway’s King Harald V Leaves Court as Health Worsens

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:48:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The palace confirms King Harald’s condition has deteriorated amid a bloodstream infection, prompting permanent reductions in his duties and a continued hospital stay.

Norway’s 89‑year‑old monarch King Harald V has been admitted to Oslo University Hospital where he is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. The palace confirmed his condition worsened, and he will remain on long‑term sick leave while the crown prince acting as regent carries out official duties. Harald has previously been treated with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia—a rare blood disorder—and underwent a pacemaker procedure after a fall overseas. The royal household has already announced a permanent cutback of public engagements due to his age. The royal family continues to face other high‑profile challenges, from Mette‑Marit’s lung transplant to the conviction of their grandson Marius Høiby.

King Harald V’s health has deteriorated, palace officials said, while he remains hospitalized and is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial bloodstream infection.

Despite treatment, the 89‑year‑old monarch is staying at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, and will remain on leave from royal duties until further notice. Seven days after his admission, the crown prince, Haakon, has been acting as regent.

Earlier this year Harald received cortisone to treat haemolytic anaemia – a rare blood condition that reduces red cell counts and can cause fatigue and shortness of breath. In April 2024 the royal household announced a permanent reduction in public engagements due to the king’s age, and he later had a pacemaker implanted after a fall on holiday in Malaysia.

The royal family has faced several high‑profile events this year: Crown Princess Mette‑Marit’s lung transplant in June, the conviction and sentencing of their grandson, Marius Høiby, for rape, and revelations of her past contact with the late Jeffrey Epstein.

For full coverage, see the related article on King Harald’s hospital admission and sick leave procedures. Norway's king admitted to hospital and put on sick leave.