Queen Sonja of Norway is currently receiving medical care for heart-related issues, as confirmed by the Norwegian Royal House on Sunday. The announcement follows her hospitalisation, which has brought attention to the health challenges faced by the 88-year-old monarch.
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In an official statement released by the Royal House, it was disclosed that Queen Sonja was admitted to the National Hospital due to complications arising from heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The statement indicated that the Queen would be on sick leave for a week, during which she would rest and undergo necessary adjustments to her medication.
The Queen’s health problems follow a series of related medical issues that began with her pacemaker installation in January 2025. This surgery was prompted by an episode of atrial fibrillation while she was on a ski holiday. Subsequently, she was airlifted to a hospital in Lillehammer for treatment. Her condition led to further complications, including a second airlift after she experienced shortness of breath during an Easter holiday in the Jotunheimen mountains.
The recent health news has caused the monarch to cancel various royal engagements, including an anticipated meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision underscores the seriousness of her condition and the need for her to prioritise her recovery.
In addition to the Queen’s health struggles, her husband, King Harald, has also battled numerous medical issues in recent years. The King underwent a leg operation in 2022 and has been diagnosed with COVID-19 twice. In 2024, he too had pacemaker surgery, and just this past February, he was hospitalised for dehydration and infection while on holiday in Tenerife.
The royal family’s health concerns extend beyond the older generation. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the daughter-in-law of Queen Sonja, has been diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis since 2018. Crown Prince Haakon provided a recent update regarding his wife’s health, revealing that her condition has deteriorated over time, generating worry for their family.
During a public appearance, the Crown Prince conveyed his concerns stating, “The Crown Princess is seriously ill, and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately.” He described the past six months as generally manageable but acknowledged the varying phases of her illness.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been observed using a nasal cannula, highlighting the seriousness of her health. When questioned about the possibility of her being placed on the lung transplant list, Crown Prince Haakon responded that such decisions lie with medical professionals. “It’s a medical question,” he explained, expressing concern over her declining health.
The developments have sparked considerable interest and empathy from the public, highlighting the fragility of health within the royal family. As Queen Sonja focuses on her recovery, the situation illustrates the broader ramifications of health issues that many face, regardless of their position.
With the royal family navigating these challenging times, the importance of support from both the public and medical professionals remains paramount. As they deal with these health challenges, the Norwegian monarchy will undoubtedly continue to engage with their constituents, maintaining transparency regarding their wellbeing while prioritising their recovery.