The Royal House of Norway announced on Monday August 17, 2026 that King Harald V has been admitted to Oslo University Hospital due to hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder that has caused fluid accumulation in his body. The 89-year-old monarch will be on sick leave for two weeks, during which his son, Crown Prince Haakon, will take over as regent.
What is Hemolytic Anemia?
Hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, and the body cannot produce new ones fast enough. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases, infections, medications, or hereditary factors. In the King's case, the cortisone treatment he has been receiving over the past weeks to combat this condition has led to fluid retention, requiring hospitalization.
According to the official statement, “in recent weeks, the King has been receiving treatment with cortisone for hemolytic anemia, a blood disease. This has caused fluid accumulation in his body that requires hospitalization.” The Royal House also noted that “the consequences for the official agenda will be assessed later.”
A Complicated Medical History
This is not the first time the monarch has faced health issues. In February 2024, during a vacation in Malaysia, he suffered an infection and a dangerously low heart rate, leading to the placement of a temporary pacemaker, later replaced with a permanent one. In 2020, he underwent heart valve replacement surgery, and in 2021, he had knee ligament surgery. Earlier this year, in February 2026, he was hospitalized in Tenerife, Spain, due to a skin infection that caused dehydration, and he was also on sick leave for several weeks.
King Harald, who has repeatedly stated his intention not to abdicate, has resumed his duties after each recovery. However, this new sick leave puts at risk the planned visit in early September to the municipalities of Rindal and Høylandet, part of his goal to visit all 357 municipalities in the country before October. The Royal House had recently announced that the King and Queen would achieve that milestone by October 21.
Regency of Crown Prince Haakon
Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has already served as regent on several occasions in recent years, especially when his father was hospitalized. This time, he will assume the role during the two-week sick leave, at a time when his wife, Princess Mette-Marit, is recovering from a lung transplant performed in June. The official agenda of the Royal House will be reduced, but it is expected that the King will resume his activities once this health crisis is overcome.
The news has caused concern among Norwegians, who see Harald V as a symbol of stability and continuity. Despite his advanced age, the monarch has shown remarkable resilience and has expressed his desire to remain at the head of the institution. The Royal House has asked for respect and privacy during these times.