King Harald V of Norway has been admitted to hospital.
The announcement, confirmed by the Royal House of Norway on February 25 AEDT, comes just a few days after his 89th birthday on February 21.
“The King is being treated for infection and dehydration, and his condition is reportedly good,” the initial statement read.
King Harald was enjoying a private holiday in Spain’s Canary Islands with his wife, Queen Sonja when he fell ill. The Norwegian monarchs married in August 1968.
He has been admitted to Hospiten Sur University Hospital in Tenerife, one of the bigger islands in Spain’s Canaries.
The King’s personal physician, Bjørn Bendz has travelled to Tenerife to assess his health, noting his condition is “serious.”
“The King’s general condition is good, and he is responding well to treatment,” an update from Bjørn said, as provided by the Royal House. “The infection stems from a skin infection in one of his legs. The King will remain in the hospital for a few more days for observation and further treatment.
“When people of almost 90 years old are admitted with an infection, it is serious.
“It is important that we get a good overview and control of the King’s health before he is discharged – even if his condition is stable now.”
This isn’t King Harald’s first bout of illness. The 89-year-old was also admitted to hospital two years ago after falling sick while on holiday in Malaysia. At the time, he was treated for an infection, and later fitted with a pacemaker due to a low heart rate.
In April 2024, the palace confirmed King Harald would be making a “permanent reduction” to his public engagements “out of consideration for his age”. He was 87 at the time.
Celebrating his birthday this year, the King shared a new portrait featuring only son Crown Prince Haakon and his granddaughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The image was reportedly taken around January while marking the Princess’ birthday.
Some royal watchers considered this an intentional move considering Norway’s future Queen, Crown Princess Mette-Marit – wife to Haakon – was found to have connections to Jeffery Epstein.
Recently released files suggested Mette-Marit was in conversation with Epstein. She has since shared a statement. “I also apologise for the situation I have put the royal family in, especially the King and Queen,” she wrote.
