Norway’s King Harald in Extremely Serious Condition as Royal Family Gathers at His Bedside

Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald V is in an “extremely serious” condition after his health deteriorated while he was receiving treatment at a hospital in Oslo, prompting members of the royal family to gather at his bedside.

The Norwegian Royal Palace announced the deterioration on Thursday, August 27, saying the King’s condition was “extremely serious.” A later update said there had been no further change in his condition.

King Harald has been receiving treatment at Oslo University Hospital’s Rikshospitalet since August 17. He was initially admitted with haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. He subsequently developed a bacterial infection in his bloodstream and has been receiving antibiotics.

The worsening condition prompted Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon to cancel their scheduled engagements. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has been serving as regent while his father is unable to carry out his constitutional duties.

Several members of the royal family travelled to the hospital, including Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the King’s grandchildren, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Princess Märtha Louise and King Harald’s older sister, Princess Astrid, were also reported to have joined the family.

The situation has triggered an outpouring of concern across Norway. Hundreds of people gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo and in other cities, with some laying flowers as they waited for updates about the monarch.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also expressed his support for the King and his family. He cancelled a planned trip to Germany as concern over the monarch’s condition grew.

King Harald, who has reigned since 1991, is Europe’s oldest reigning monarch. His health has become increasingly fragile in recent years, with several hospitalisations and medical procedures. He has nevertheless repeatedly rejected calls or speculation about abdication and has maintained that he intends to remain on the throne for life.

The latest health crisis comes after a difficult year for the Norwegian royal household, with several members of the family also facing serious health problems.

For now, the Norwegian Royal Palace has provided limited medical details, while the King remains under treatment at the Oslo hospital. The royal family has cancelled upcoming engagements as the country waits for further information about the monarch’s condition.