King Harald of Norway was rushed to hospital on Monday afternoon. The 89-year-old monarch was kept at the Rikshospitalet in Oslo for further tests and care after attending for a medical test. His doctors became concerned about side effects of treatment for a blood disorder.
Cortisone Treatment Causes Fluid Retention
The King had recently undergone treatment for hemolytic anemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells faster than the body can make new ones. He had been receiving cortisone as part of his treatment, but his medical team raised concern that this led to fluid retention, the Norwegian Royal Family said in a statement.
A spokesman said: "The King has been treated with cortisone for the blood disease hemolytic anemia in recent weeks. This has led to fluid accumulation in the body that requires treatment in hospital."
Sick Leave and Regency
The Norwegian royal court immediately announced that King Harald will take two weeks' sick leave. His heir, Crown Prince Haakon, is now regent until further notice. The spokesman added: "The King is on sick leave for two weeks. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is Regent during this period. We will return to the consequences this will have for the Royal House's official program."
King Harald is the oldest reigning monarch in Europe. He previously visited the hospital just 10 days ago for a "planned checkup and follow-up with a doctor, and he was driven in his own car".
Recent Health Issues
He was also hospitalised in February while on holiday with Queen Sonja in Tenerife. He was treated for an infection and dehydration, and kept for two days before returning to Norway. During a visit to Malaysia in 2024, he was admitted to hospital after his heartrate dropped dangerously low. He was fitted with a temporary pacemaker before travelling back to Norway to receive a permanent one.
King Harald became Crown Prince in 1957 after his grandfather, King Haakon VII, died. He married Sonja in 1968 before becoming king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav. He is also the third-longest reigning monarch in Europe after being on the throne for over 35 years, just behind King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who became king in 1973, and Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, who became king in 1989.
Crown Prince Haakon often steps in to fulfil royal duties when his father is unwell or on holiday, but in recent months has taken a back step as his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is recovering from a lung transplant.
