Norways King Harald remains hospitalized in Oslo with bacterial infection as Crown Prince Haakon acts as regent

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Norways King Harald remains hospitalized in Oslo with bacterial infection as Crown Prince Haakon acts as regent
Norways King Harald hospitalised in Oslo for fluid retention after cortisone treatment
Continuation
Norway’s King [Harald V](en.wikipedia.org) remains hospitalized in Oslo after his condition deteriorated over the weekend, the royal palace said in a statement on Sunday. The 89-year-old monarch is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial blood infection and has responded to the treatment, according to the palace .
Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet in the Norwegian capital on Monday after complications arose from cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia, a form of blood disorder that causes rapid breakdown of red blood cells. The fluid retention resulting from the treatment required hospital care, the palace stated .
Crown Prince Haakon, 50, is serving as regent in his father’s absence. The palace initially announced a two-week medical leave for Harald, but by Sunday, officials confirmed his September schedule had been canceled, signaling a prolonged recovery .
Harald, Europe’s oldest living monarch, has faced recurring health issues in recent years. He underwent heart surgery, suffered repeated respiratory infections, and in 2024, required a temporary pacemaker while hospitalized in Malaysia before receiving a permanent device in Norway. Earlier this year, he was treated for a skin infection and severe dehydration during a vacation in Tenerife .
The king has resisted calls to abdicate, citing his lifelong oath to the parliament. In 2024, he announced plans to reduce his official duties due to age but reaffirmed his commitment to remain on the throne .
Medical experts noted that bacterial blood infections can be serious, particularly in elderly patients with underlying conditions. Professor Leiv Otto Watne, a geriatrics specialist, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the severity depends on the bacteria involved and the patient’s baseline health .
The royal family has faced additional health challenges. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Haakon’s wife, underwent a lung transplant this summer after a long battle with lung disease, while Princess Astrid, the king’s sister, has a weak heart .
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