The health of King Harald V of Norway has continued to deteriorate in hospital after being admitted for treatment of a rare blood condition.
The 89-year-old has been treated with cortisone for a rare blood condition called haemolytic anemia, which reduces the number of red blood cells in the body, causing fatigue and shortness of breath.
“His Majesty the King’s health deteriorated over the weekend. The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood, and has responded to this treatment,” the palace announced on August 23, 2026.
However, since then, the palace has released two separate updates, announcing that His Majesty’s condition had become “very serious”, with the latest confirming his state was unchanged.
“His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Regent and Her Majesty The Queen have cancelled all official engagements,” the palace announced.
Further information followed, confirming The Crown Prince Regent’s visit to Færder National Park and Her Majesty The Queen’s visit to Trøndelag were among the cancellations.
The country’s royal household announced King Harald’s return to Oslo University Hospital in the early hours of August 18 (AEST), adding that he would be on sick leave.
The BBC claimed the monarch was admitted due to “fluid retention in the body that requires treatment in hospital,” as per the palace.
His son Crown Prince Haakon will act as regent in the meantime.
King Harald has made a “permanent reduction” to his public engagements since 2024 “out of consideration for his age”, as announced by the Royal House in April that year.
This news shortly followed King Harald’s admission to the hospital after falling ill while holidaying in Malaysia. At the time, he was treated for an infection and later fitted with a pacemaker due to a low heart rate.
Just days after his 89th birthday in February, he was hospitalised once more in Tenerife, located in Spain’s Canary Islands. At the time, the monarch was enjoying a private holiday with his wife, Queen Sonja, when he fell ill.
“The King is being treated for infection and dehydration, and his condition is reportedly good,” the statement read.
His personal physician, Bjørn Bendz, noted King Harald’s “serious” condition.
“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.”
