Norway’s King Harald Hospitalized as Health Worsens
Norway's 89-year-old King Harald is hospitalized with a bacterial blood infection and hemolytic anemia while Crown Prince Haakon serves as regent during his father's treatment and recovery.
The 89-year-old King has been receiving treatment at the National Hospital for over a week, where medical staff have administered antibiotics to combat the infection. The royal palace confirmed late Sunday that King Harald has responded positively to treatment and his condition has stabilised.
The Norwegian sovereign had already been on sick leave for several weeks prior to his hospital admission. During his incapacitation, his son Crown Prince Haakon has assumed the role of regent, carrying out royal duties in his father’s absence.
Underlying Health Complications
Palace officials revealed last week that the king suffers from hemolytic anemia, a condition affecting red blood cells. Treatment with cortisone medication led to fluid accumulation in his body, necessitating hospitalisation and medical intervention.
King Harald, who has reigned over Norway since 1991, has experienced multiple health setbacks requiring hospital care in recent years. The monarch’s advancing age and ongoing medical conditions have raised inevitable questions about the succession and the future of the Norwegian crown.
The palace has indicated that Crown Prince Haakon will continue to serve as regent while his father remains under medical supervision and recovers from the bacterial infection.
With information from New York Post
