King Harald V of Norway, 89, remains hospitalised in an "extremely serious" condition at Oslo University Hospital, the royal palace has confirmed, as his health has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Harald, who has been on the throne since 1991 and is Europe's oldest reigning monarch, was first admitted to hospital on 17 August with haemolytic anaemia — a condition in which the body's red blood cell count falls sharply, causing fatigue and shortness of breath. He was being treated with cortisone when he developed a bacterial bloodstream infection, which is now being managed with antibiotics.
The worsening prognosis has drawn the royal family to his bedside. Queen Sonja has been making daily visits to the hospital, while Crown Prince Haakon, 53 — who has been serving as regent during his father's leave — stayed overnight at the hospital alongside his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and their children Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Other family members present have included Harald's daughter Princess Märtha Louise, granddaughter Leah, and his 94-year-old sister Princess Astrid. Medical specialists have urged Norwegians to prepare for the worst. "If you take his age and know something about his medical history, we must accept that this is very serious," said Bjørn Tore Gjertsen, head of haematology at Haukeland University.
The news prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity across Norway. Hundreds of people gathered in Palace Square in central Oslo, laying flowers, lighting candles, and leaving handwritten notes and drawings. Norwegian public broadcaster NRK scrapped its regular schedule to provide continuous coverage, and journalists outside the palace were dressed in mourning attire. Similar gatherings were reported in cities across the country.
Senior officials also moved swiftly to be close to home. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a planned visit to Germany, where he had been due to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "A whole nation is keeping watch over its king," Støre said. Parliament Speaker Masud Gharahkhani cut short a trip abroad to return to Norway, and Norwegian bishops returned early from a visit to the Vatican.
King Harald has faced a series of health challenges in recent years, including surgery to fit a permanent pacemaker, and has gradually reduced his official duties. He has, however, consistently ruled out abdication, stating that the oath he swore before Norway's parliament represents a lifelong commitment. His condition is being closely followed both inside the country and across Europe.