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Harald V Hospitalised
Norway’s King Harald V, 89, was admitted to Rikshospitalet in Oslo after a medical examination and placed on sick leave for two weeks, with Crown Prince Haakon serving as regent during his father’s absence.
“fluid retention in the body that requires treatment in hospital”
The Norwegian royal palace said the king has been treated with cortisone in recent weeks for haemolytic anaemia, and that the treatment has led to fluid retention in his body that requires hospital treatment.
BBC reported that the palace said Harald was admitted due to "fluid retention in the body that requires treatment in hospital," while ABC said the 89-year-old was admitted to the National Hospital this Monday after a medical examination and that his executive functions were curtailed for two weeks.
The palace also said the king is one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs, and BBC noted he has been treated with cortisone for rare blood condition haemolytic anaemia that causes fatigue and shortness of breath.
Regency and Timeline
During the two-week sick leave, Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, will serve as regent, according to the Norwegian royal household announcement reported by the BBC.
BBC said Harald was taken to hospital in February on the Spanish island of Tenerife while suffering from an infection and dehydration, and it added that in 2024 he was fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.
Europa Press reported that the king was admitted this Monday to the University Hospital of Oslo due to fluid retention after undergoing a medical examination related to treatment for his hemolytic anemia, and it quoted the Norwegian Royal House saying the cortisone treatment had caused fluid buildup that requires hospitalization.
Gulf News similarly said Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet in Oslo after an examination, and it stated that the palace would later clarify how the leave would affect the royal family’s official programme.
Europe’s Oldest Monarch
Gulf News described Harald as Europe’s oldest living monarch and said he has reigned since 1991, while also noting he has repeatedly ruled out abdication despite health problems.
“Europe’s oldest monarch has been admitted to hospital”
Euronews reported that the Norwegian royals have been dealing with a number of health problems in recent months, including Princess Astrid being admitted to hospital in May with heart failure and Queen Sonja being hospitalised in May with heart problems.
Euronews also said Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a successful lung transplant in June and was discharged from hospital in mid-July, and it added that she is not expected to be involved in any official engagements over the next six months as she recovers.
In the midst of that broader health picture, the palace said Harald’s latest hospitalization followed treatment with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia that led to fluid retention, and the BBC said the king’s executive functions were curtailed for two weeks while he is on sick leave.