Norway's king admitted to hospital and put on sick leave

What the report says

Norway’s royal household said King Harald V has been admitted to hospital and placed on sick leave for two weeks, according to Nile Post’s report citing the palace. The 89-year-old monarch is one of Europe’s longest-serving heads of state and has been under medical treatment in recent weeks for haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood disorder that can reduce red blood cells and cause tiredness and shortness of breath.

The palace said he was hospitalized because of fluid retention that requires treatment. During his absence, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, will act as regent and carry out the king’s duties. The report said Harald, who has reigned since January 1991, has previously said he does not intend to abdicate.

Nile Post also noted that the king’s health has been closely watched over the past year. It said he was hospitalized in Tenerife in February with an infection and dehydration, and that he received a pacemaker in 2024 after falling ill while on holiday in Malaysia. The article added that Queen Sonja was hospitalized in May for examinations linked to heart concerns.

The development matters because Norway’s monarchy has already been adapting to the king’s reduced public schedule, and the regency arrangement shifts responsibilities temporarily to the crown prince. The broader context is a period of medical and personal strain for the royal family, though the palace’s immediate announcement focused on the king’s treatment and leave.