Norway's royal family gathers at King Harald's bedside as his condition worsens

What the report says

Norway’s royal household says King Harald V is in an “extremely serious” condition in hospital, prompting close family members to gather at his bedside in Oslo. The BBC reports that Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and other relatives have cancelled public engagements and are spending time with the king at Oslo University Hospital.

The 89-year-old monarch has been receiving treatment for more than a week for haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood disorder that can reduce red blood cells and cause fatigue and shortness of breath. Haakon, who is 53 and the heir to the throne, has been acting as regent while his father is on leave. Members of the royal family, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Astrid, were reported arriving at the hospital on Thursday.

King Harald, who has reigned since 1991, is Europe’s oldest head of state. The BBC notes that he has faced several health setbacks in recent years, including the fitting of a pacemaker in 2024 after becoming ill while abroad. Those earlier issues have steadily reduced the amount of official work he can carry out.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed support for the king and royal family. The situation matters not only because of the monarch’s age and long tenure, but also because it places the question of continuity at the centre of Norway’s constitutional monarchy, with Crown Prince Haakon already carrying out some duties in his father’s stead.