Norway’s King Harald Hospitalized for Treatment of Blood Disease

OSLO: King Harald V of Norway has been admitted to the National Hospital in Oslo for treatment related to hemolytic anemia, the Norwegian royal palace said on Tuesday.

The 89-year-old monarch was hospitalized on Monday afternoon after receiving cortisone treatment for the blood disorder in recent weeks. According to the palace, the treatment has resulted in fluid accumulation in his body, requiring further medical care.

King Harald has been on sick leave for the past two weeks. During his absence, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, is serving as regent and carrying out the king’s constitutional duties.

The monarch has experienced several health-related issues in recent years and has required hospital treatment on a number of occasions. In February, he was hospitalized in Spain’s Canary Islands while on a private winter vacation and was treated for a skin infection.

In 2024, King Harald became ill during a private holiday in Malaysia and received a temporary pacemaker there. He was subsequently transported to Norway by medical aircraft, where doctors fitted him with a permanent pacemaker.

King Harald has been Norway’s monarch since 1991. The latest hospitalization comes as the Norwegian royal household continues to manage the king’s public responsibilities in accordance with his health condition.

The palace has not indicated how long the king is expected to remain hospitalized or provided further details regarding his current condition.