King Harald V of Norway’s health has worsened, the palace says, as he remains hospitalised receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream.
The 89‑year‑old king is still undergoing treatment at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, and has been placed on sick leave until further notice. He was admitted about a week ago and is currently receiving care for a serious bloodstream infection.
Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has been acting as regent during his father’s absence.
Reign of King Harald has been punctuated in recent years by health challenges, including a rare blood condition called haemolytic anaemia—a condition that reduces red blood cells, causing fatigue and shortness of breath. In April 2024 the royal household announced that the king would cut back on public engagements permanently because of his age, and in the same year he received a pacemaker after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.
2026 has been a testing year for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette‑Marit underwent a lung transplant in June after a diagnosis of a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. Two days later her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison for rape. In addition, documents released earlier this year revealed that Mette‑Marit had communicated with the late sex‑offender Jeffrey Epstein; she later apologised for her friendship with him.
With the king still under treatment for a serious infection and awaiting outcomes from ongoing investigations, Norway’s constitutional monarchy faces current uncertainties about its public duties and future direction.
