King's condition deteriorates
The Norwegian royal household has reported that King Harald V is in a critical state at Oslo University Hospital. The 89-year-old monarch has been admitted since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, a rare disorder that lowers red blood cell counts, resulting in tiredness and breathlessness. His spouse, Queen Sonja, and their son, Crown Prince Haakon, have halted all official duties and are present with him, joined by other relatives.[S1][S3]
According to Norwegian media, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Astrid, the king's sister, were also observed arriving at the hospital on Thursday morning. The palace statement did not disclose further details about his health, but Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre conveyed that the entire nation extends heartfelt wishes to the king and the royal family. Norway's bishops ended their study trip to Rome early to return home.[S1][S3]
A challenging year for the royals
King Harald has faced multiple health issues in recent years, including a pacemaker fitted in 2024 after falling ill in Malaysia. He has ruled out abdicating, citing a lifelong oath to parliament. His wife, Queen Sonja, was briefly hospitalized in May due to heart problems. The king's condition comes amid a turbulent time for the royal family, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit undergoing a lung transplant in June or July after a rare pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis.[S1][S3]
Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, received a four-year prison sentence in June for two counts of rape and other offenses, which he denies and is appealing. Furthermore, documents released in January showed Mette-Marit's frequent interactions with the late Jeffrey Epstein, for which she expressed regret, acknowledging 'poor judgement'. Despite these issues, the royals continue to enjoy broad public support.[S1][S3]
