The health of King Harald of Norway has significantly deteriorated, prompting the cancellation of public engagements by his wife, Queen Sonja, and son, Crown Prince Haakon. The Royal House of Norway confirmed on Thursday, 27th August, that the 89-year-old monarch is in “very serious” condition and remains hospitalised.
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King Harald has been receiving treatment at Oslo University Hospital since 17th August. The latest update spells concern for the nation, as officials indicated that the King’s health issues have deeply affected the royal family as well.
Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, both aged 53, have been seen frequencing the hospital to lend support during these trying times. Other members of the royal family, including Queen Sonja and Princess Astrid, have also visited the monarch, indicating that the family is gathering to ensure his comfort.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has also been impacted by the developments; he announced the cancellation of a planned trip to Germany due to the situation surrounding the King. In a statement relayed by the BBC, Støre expressed that the whole nation stands in solidarity with the royal family, sending heartfelt thoughts to King Harald and his loved ones.
Gracious displays of public affection have emerged, with crowds gathering outside the royal palace in Oslo to lay flowers in the Palace Square as a show of support for the King. The warm gestures reflect the high esteem in which King Harald is held by the Norwegian public.
The King was admitted to the hospital for the second time this year, with the initial announcement attributing his hospitalisation to side effects stemming from a current medical treatment regimen. In a statement in Norwegian, the palace indicated that the King is undergoing treatment with cortisone due to a blood disorder known as hemolytic anaemia. The condition had led to fluid retention, requiring medical intervention.
As the King’s condition worsened over the weekend, an update on 23rd August confirmed he was now receiving antibiotics to address a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. While it was noted that he had responded to treatment, the focus remained on ensuring he received the necessary care at Rikshospitalet.
This recent health scare is not isolated, as King Harald has previously experienced hospital stays. A month after his 89th birthday in February, he was admitted for treatment related to an infection and dehydration. His physician, Dr Bjørn Bendz, stated that infections in elderly patients are critical, emphasising a comprehensive understanding of the King’s health status before any discharge.
The current difficult period is also not unique to King Harald alone. Queen Sonja has faced her own health challenges, having been hospitalised earlier this year due to heart failure. She had also received a pacemaker in January 2025 after experiencing an episode of atrial fibrillation necessitating emergency care during a ski trip.
Furthermore, Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in June of this year, having battled chronic pulmonary fibrosis since 2018. Her condition had deteriorated to such an extent that she required oxygen assistance during public appearances. The challenges facing the royal family highlight the health concerns they have all had to navigate recently.
Despite these tribulations, the family remains supportive of each other. Notably, Durek Verrett, the husband of Princess Märtha Louise, also underwent a kidney transplant this week at the same hospital where King Harald is being treated. Reports suggest that Princess Märtha is relieved her husband’s surgery was a success, although the emotional weight of having both her father and husband hospitalised simultaneously has been significant.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Norwegian royal family has rallied together, and the public stands united in hope for King Harald’s swift recovery.