King Harald of Norway has been admitted to hospital for the second time this year, as the royal family faces a series of health challenges. The 89-year-old monarch’s latest hospitalisation comes following complications related to ongoing medical treatments, specifically for hemolytic anaemia, a blood disorder.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/king-harald-2-032824-ef80f4741aad4a1cb79032b92116afb6.jpg)
The Royal House of Norway issued a statement on Monday, stating, “The King has been treated with cortisone for the blood disease hemolytic anemia in recent weeks. This has led to fluid accumulation in the body that requires treatment in hospital.” The statement also revealed that King Harald will be on sick leave for two weeks, during which time Crown Prince Haakon will act as regent.
This is not the first time this year that the King has been hospitalised. In February, shortly after celebrating his 89th birthday, King Harald was admitted while on a family holiday in Tenerife. At that time, he was treated for an infection and dehydration. His physician, Dr Bjørn Bendz, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that infections in patients of advanced age require careful attention and management.
King Harald has faced several health issues in recent years, including a leg operation in 2022 and multiple hospitalisations for COVID-19 in 2022 and 2023. Despite these health concerns, he remains committed to his role as the monarch. In January, during a royal engagement, when asked about the possibility of abdicating, he firmly stated that he intends to continue his reign, referencing the oath he made to the Norwegian Parliament.
The royal family’s health struggles extend beyond King Harald. Queen Sonja, the King’s wife, was hospitalised in May after being diagnosed with heart failure. Earlier in the year, she underwent a procedure to have a pacemaker fitted, a decision prompted by health issues that arose during a ski trip.
Additionally, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon, also experienced significant health challenges this year. In June, she underwent a successful lung transplant after a lengthy battle with chronic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease diagnosed in 2018. Her health had deteriorated to the point where she required supplemental oxygen for public appearances prior to her surgery.
The Crown Princess expressed gratitude to the medical professionals involved in her care and the public for their supportive messages during her recovery. Following her successful transplant, Mette-Marit was spotted publicly for the first time in July, attending a 2026 World Cup event with Prince Haakon, showcasing a positive step in her recovery.
King Harald has reigned since January 1991, taking the throne after the death of his father, King Olav. His commitment to the monarchy is notable, especially in light of his recent health issues. As Crown Prince Haakon steps in as regent, the royal family remains in the spotlight, and further updates regarding the King’s health and the Royal House’s schedule are anticipated in the coming weeks.
The Norwegian royal family has consistently displayed resilience amid such challenging times. With both King Harald and Queen Sonja navigating serious health matters, as well as Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s recovery process, the royal family’s experiences reflect the realities faced by many, highlighting the importance of health and wellness.
As Norway watches their beloved monarch and his family work through these significant health concerns, public sentiments appear to remain overwhelmingly supportive, showcasing the strong bond between the royal family and the Norwegian people. Further announcements regarding King Harald’s health status and the implications for the royal schedule are expected as his recovery progresses.