Norway’s King Harald V Suffers Health Deterioration After Blood Infection

Dragon Media News Desk

The health of Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald V deteriorated sharply over the weekend after doctors detected a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, the Norwegian Royal Palace has said.

According to the Palace, the King is being treated with antibiotics and has responded positively to the treatment. Although his condition worsened over the weekend, he is currently reported to be stable.

King Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet, part of Oslo University Hospital, on August 17. He had already been undergoing treatment in recent weeks for complications related to hemolytic anemia.

Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than the body can replace them. As part of his treatment, the King had been receiving cortisone. He was later hospitalized after developing fluid retention.

While in hospital, doctors identified a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, after which his condition deteriorated further during the weekend. The Royal Palace said, however, that antibiotic treatment is having an effect and that his condition is now stable.

King Harald is expected to remain in hospital, and his medical leave will continue. Crown Prince Haakon is currently serving as regent and carrying out the monarch’s constitutional duties.

Harald V has been King of Norway since 1991 and is one of Europe’s oldest reigning heads of state.

He has faced several health problems in recent years and has previously been hospitalized because of infections. In 2024, he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker.

The Norwegian Royal Palace said further updates on the King’s condition would be issued when necessary.