Norway's King Harald V Critically Ill, Queen and Crown Prince at Bedside
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Norway's King Harald V (哈拉爾五世), 89, remains in critical condition at Oslo University Hospital after being hospitalized since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia. The royal palace issued a statement on August 27 declaring the monarch's health status "extremely serious," prompting immediate action from senior royals. Queen Sonja (宋雅王后) and Crown Prince Haakon (王儲哈康), who has assumed regency duties, cancelled all scheduled royal engagements to remain at the king's bedside. The European continent's longest-reigning monarch is receiving cortisone treatment, which has caused fluid retention requiring continued hospitalization.
Key Points
- King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch at 89, has been hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital since August 17
- The royal palace stated on August 27 that the king's health condition is "extremely serious," with no significant changes reported
- Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon (the 53-year-old acting regent), and Crown Princess Mette-Marit have cancelled all royal duties to stay at the hospital for extended hours
- The king is receiving cortisone (adrenal cortex hormone) treatment for haemolytic anaemia, which causes rapid destruction of red blood cells and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath
- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store cancelled his planned August 27 meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, saying the nation stands united with the royal family
Why It Matters
King Harald V has ruled Norway since 1991, and his health crisis raises questions about royal succession and continuity in the Scandinavian kingdom. Multiple royal family members have been seen entering and leaving the hospital, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the unity of the royal household during this uncertain period. The Norwegian public has gathered at the royal palace in Oslo to lay flowers and offer prayers, demonstrating the deep connection between the monarch and his people.
King Harald V has ruled Norway since 1991, and his health crisis raises questions about royal succession and continuity in the Scandinavian kingdom. Multiple royal family members have been seen entering and leaving the hospital, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the unity of the royal household during this uncertain period. The Norwegian public has gathered at the royal palace in Oslo to lay flowers and offer prayers, demonstrating the deep connection between the monarch and his people.