The Norwegian Royal House announced that King Harald V, the oldest monarch in Europe, was hospitalized on Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Oslo University Hospital due to complications from his ongoing treatment for hemolytic anemia. The king, who has been on the throne since 1991, was receiving cortisone therapy, which led to an accumulation of fluids in his body requiring medical attention.
What is Hemolytic Anemia?
Hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, and the body cannot produce new ones fast enough. Causes range from autoimmune diseases and infections to certain medications or inherited conditions. Symptoms include fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. While mild cases may go unnoticed, severe cases require hospitalization, as seen here.
Regency for Crown Prince Haakon
During the king's medical leave, which is expected to last two weeks, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, will assume the regency and carry out the constitutional duties of the monarch. The Royal House stated that the impact on the official agenda will be assessed later. This is not the first time Haakon has stepped in: he also served as regent in February and March 2026 when his father was hospitalized in Tenerife, Spain, for an infection and dehydration. The king recovered well and was discharged at the end of February.
A Challenging Health History
King Harald has faced multiple health issues in recent years. In February 2024, during a private trip to Malaysia, he was hospitalized for an infection and low heart rate, leading to the placement of a temporary pacemaker. After being flown back to Norway, he received a permanent pacemaker. In 2020, he underwent heart valve replacement surgery, and in 2021, he had knee ligament surgery. He also battled COVID-19 in March 2022 and an infection in 2023.
Despite his fragile health, the king has repeatedly ruled out abdication, insisting he will remain in office for life, as he swore before Parliament.
Family Turmoil
The king's hospitalization comes amid a difficult period for the royal family. His daughter-in-law, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, underwent a lung transplant in June 2026 due to chronic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed in 2018. Additionally, Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was sentenced in June to four years in prison for rape and other offenses, though he has appealed.
The Royal House has not specified when the king will resume his official duties after the medical leave. In the meantime, Crown Prince Haakon will lead the constitutional tasks, as the family's public engagements have already been reduced due to Mette-Marit's health.