In brief
Norway’s King Harald V is in hospital after a worsening bacterial infection, the palace confirmed. The 89‑year‑old monarch has been on sick leave for a week and will remain at Oslo University Hospital until further notice. Crown Prince Haakon continues to act as regent, with the royal family already navigating multiple health challenges throughout 2026.
Norway's King Harald V's health has worsened, the palace says, as he remains in hospital receiving antibiotics for a bloodstream bacterial infection.
The monarch has answered the treatment despite the deterioration, but will continue to stay at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, and remain on leave from royal duties until further notice.
The 89‑year‑old, who has been on the throne since 1991, was admitted to hospital and put on sick leave a week ago.
Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has been serving as regent while his father is on leave.
King Harald has been treated in recent weeks with cortisone for a rare blood condition haemolytic anaemia, which reduces the number of red blood cells and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath.
In April 2024, the Norwegian royal household announced a "permanent reduction" of King Harald’s public engagements "out of consideration for his age" and noted the king had been fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.
The Norwegian royal family has already faced a challenging year in 2026; Crown Princess Mette‑Marit received a lung transplant in June after a diagnosis of rare pulmonary fibrosis.
Following Mette‑Marit’s transplant was the sentencing of her son Marius Borg Høiby to four years in prison after conviction of rape; he denied the most serious charges and will appeal.
Earlier this year, documents were released revealing Mette‑Marit’s frequent contact with former sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading her to apologise publicly for her friendship with him.
