Norwegian King Harald's health is in very serious condition, palace says

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FILE - Norway's King Harald gives a speech during a gala dinner at the Palace in connection with the state visit of the Icelandic presidential couple, in Oslo, on April 8, 2025. (Fredrik Varfjell/NTB Scanpix via AP, File)

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit leave the Rikshospitalet, where King Harald is hospitalized, in Oslo, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (Ole Berg-Rusten/NTB Scanpix via AP) — FILE - Norway's King Harald gives a speech during a gala dinner at the Palace in connection with the state visit of the Icelandic presidential couple, in Oslo, on April 8, 2025. (Fredrik Varfjell/NTB Scanpix via AP, File)

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5:05 AM on Thursday, August 27

The Associated Press

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Norwegian King Harald was in “very serious condition” as his health deteriorated, palace officials said Thursday, prompting the queen and Crown Prince Haakon to cancel their engagements.

The 89-year-old monarch, who has hemolytic anemia and has been on sick leave for several weeks, was admitted to the National Hospital in Oslo earlier this month. His condition had previously stabilized following a bacterial blood infection but the royal palace on Thursday said it had worsened.

Haakon, his son, has been serving as regent during the king’s time in the hospital.

Harald, who has been monarch since 1991, has been in and out of the hospital several times in recent years.