King Harald V of Norway Hospitalized: Royal Family Rallies Around the Monarch
The King Harald V of Norway, aged 89, remains hospitalized at the National Hospital in Oslo since August 17, 2026, after a deterioration in his health. According to the Norwegian Royal House, the monarch is receiving antibiotic treatment for a bacterial infection in the bloodstream.
The official medical bulletin, released over the weekend, stated that “the king's health worsened during the weekend”, but also noted that he “is responding well to antibiotics”. The monarch remains under constant medical supervision.
What is hemolytic anemia, the king's underlying condition?
King Harald also suffers from hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder that causes abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, pallor, dizziness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. In the weeks before his admission, the monarch had been receiving cortisone treatment for this condition, which caused fluid retention and prompted his hospitalization.
The royal family, united at the hospital
Over the weekend and this Monday, the Oslo hospital received visits from the main members of the royal family:
- Queen Sonja, the monarch's wife, visited him on several occasions.
- Crown Prince Haakon, the king's son and current regent, was seen arriving at the hospital on Monday morning, driving his own vehicle.
- Princess Mette-Marit, Haakon's wife, also went to the medical center on August 18.
- Princess Märtha Louise, the king's daughter, came to the hospital with her husband, Durek Verrett.
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, the monarch's grandchildren, also visited their grandfather.
- Princess Astrid, the king's sister, aged 94, was also present.
The presence of all family members reflects the concern over the sovereign's condition.
Changes in the official agenda
Due to the situation, the Norwegian Royal House has modified part of its institutional agenda. Crown Prince Haakon, as regent, has assumed the responsibilities of Head of State. In addition, the Royal Guard announced that the military exercise display planned at the Royal Palace Square in Oslo will be held on Wednesday instead of the original date. Queen Sonja, for her part, maintains her trip to Trøndelag, although she will travel alone, and has canceled the visit scheduled for September 3 to the Gjefsjøen mountain farm.
A complex medical history
King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, has faced various health issues in recent years. In February 2024, during a vacation in Malaysia, he was hospitalized for an infection and received a temporary pacemaker. In February 2026, during a trip to Tenerife, he was also admitted for an infection and dehydration. Despite everything, the monarch has always ruled out abdicating.
The current situation comes at a delicate time for the Norwegian monarchy, affected by Mette-Marit's health problems and controversies surrounding her son, Marius Borg Høiby. However, the institution retains broad popular support, largely due to the image of stability that King Harald represents.