King Harald V of Norway is in very serious condition at Rikshospitalet in Oslo, the Royal Palace announced on Thursday morning.
The announcement led to the immediate cancellation of scheduled official duties for the royal family, who gathered at the university hospital as the monarch's health deteriorated.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were photographed entering the medical center wearing black clothing following the morning statement.
Royal Family Gathering at Rikshospitalet
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit arrived at Rikshospitalet at approximately 9:18 am on Thursday. Queen Sonja, who has been married to King Harald for 58 years, arrived shortly afterward.
They were joined by the crown prince couple's two children, 22-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra and 20-year-old Prince Sverre Magnus. The king's 94-year-old elder sister, Princess Astrid, also went to the hospital.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit's eldest son, Marius Borg, arrived as the family presence expanded throughout the day.
Princess Märtha Louise also joined her father at the hospital. Her spokesperson, Carina Celle Karlsen, confirmed to Norwegian newspaper VG that Princess Märtha Louise was with her father and her family. Shortly after 1:00 pm, her 21-year-old daughter Leah Isadora, one of her three daughters and a granddaughter of King Harald, arrived at the facility.
Medical History and Hospital Complications
The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized since August 17, when he was admitted following weeks of cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia. That treatment caused fluid retention in his body, making hospitalization necessary.
Six days later, on August 23, the Royal Palace announced a further deterioration in his health. Doctors diagnosed a bacterial blood infection, and the king began receiving antibiotics, showing an initial positive response to treatment.
No major updates had been released until Thursday morning, when palace officials issued the statement describing his condition as very serious.
Regency and Recent Royal Events
With King Harald unable to perform his royal duties during his hospital stay, Crown Prince Haakon has assumed the role of regent under Norway's constitutional framework.
The health crisis comes shortly after Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Tuesday while King Harald remained hospitalized.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit's visits to Rikshospitalet come as she continues her own medical recovery. The princess underwent a lung transplant in June and was discharged on July 14, with doctors prescribing six months of close monitoring and rehabilitation due to the risk of complications.
Reign of King Harald V
King Harald V ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, succeeding his father, King Olav V, as head of state of the Scandinavian nation. In recent years, he has experienced several health issues and gradually reduced his official duties.
The Royal Palace provided no further details regarding the development of his health in its latest update. King Harald remains hospitalized at Rikshospitalet in Oslo alongside Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and other family members.
