World News

Norway's King Harald V in very serious condition as health worsens

Royal family members gather at the Oslo hospital where the 89-year-old monarch is receiving treatment.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 10:27 UTC3 reports

The short version

Norway's royal household announced Thursday that King Harald V is in a very serious condition due to a worsening health status.
The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized in Oslo receiving treatment for hemolytic anemia following a recent bacterial blood infection.
Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon cancelled upcoming engagements to gather at his bedside alongside other family members.
Crown Prince Haakon continues to serve as regent while King Harald remains on sick leave.

Norway's royal palace reported Thursday that 89-year-old King Harald V is in very serious condition following a deterioration in his health.[ABC News · Associated Press · BBC News]
King Harald was admitted to the hospital earlier this month for hemolytic anemia and was recently treated with cortisone and managed for a bacterial blood infection.[ABC News · Associated Press · BBC News]
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and other royal family members cancelled scheduled duties to gather at the Oslo hospital.[ABC News · Associated Press · BBC News]
Crown Prince Haakon is currently serving as regent during his father's hospitalization.[ABC News · Associated Press · BBC News]
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre issued a public message offering support to the king and the royal family on behalf of the nation.[BBC News]

Specific details on King Harald's immediate medical prognosis or expected duration of hospitalization have not been released by palace officials.[ABC News · Associated Press · BBC News]