King Harald V's condition ‘very serious’ as royals gather in Oslo

Norway’s royal family has gathered at an Oslo hospital after the palace said the health of King Harald V had become «very serious.» Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon cancelled their engagements as the 89-year-old monarch continued treatment for a bacterial infection in his blood.

The Norwegian royal court announced the monarch’s deterioration on Thursday in a stark, one-sentence statement. It gave no prognosis or further details about the King’s treatment.

«His Majesty the King’s health condition is very serious. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Regent and Her Majesty the Queen are cancelling all their programmes,» the palace said.

The message marked a sharp change from Monday, when the palace said his condition remained stable. King Harald V has been receiving treatment at Oslo University Hospital’s Rikshospitalet since 17 August.

Members of the family, including Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, were seen arriving at the hospital after the latest update, The Independent reported.

Crown Prince Haakon is King Harald’s heir apparent. Photo: Royal Court of Norway

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Why King Harald is in hospital

The King was initially admitted after treatment for haemolytic anaemia caused fluid to accumulate in his body. He subsequently developed a bacterial bloodstream infection and received antibiotics.

Haemolytic anaemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. Because these cells carry oxygen, the condition can cause exhaustion, breathlessness and a rapid heartbeat, according to NHS guidance.

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King Harald, Europe’s oldest living monarch, has reigned since 1991. He reduced his public engagements in 2024 because of his age but rejected abdication, saying the oath he took as King was for life.

He received a permanent pacemaker in 2024 after falling ill while visiting Malaysia. In February 2026, he was again hospitalised while on holiday in Tenerife.