Norway’s royal palace described the 89-year-old monarch’s health as “extremely serious” as hundreds gathered outside the palace.
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 Apr 8, 2025. (Photo: AP/Fredrik Varfjell)
28 Aug 2026 04:08AM
OSLO: Norway's royal family gathered Thursday (Aug 27) at King Harald V's bedside in hospital, while hundreds paid respects outside the palace, after the court announced that the 89-year-old monarch's health condition was "extremely serious".Queen Sonja and Harald's 53-year-old son Crown Prince Haakon, who is acting as regent, have cancelled all royal engagements and spent much of Thursday at his side at Oslo University Hospital along with other family members.The palace said late Thursday afternoon the king's condition was "unchanged", shortly after Haakon, his wife Mette-Marit and their two adult children were seen leaving the hospital.Norwegian broadcaster NRK then on Thursday evening reported that Haakon and Mette-Marit had returned to the hospital a second time.Europe's oldest reigning monarch has been in hospital in Oslo since Aug 17 suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue and shortness of breath."His Majesty the King's health condition is extremely serious," the palace said, providing no specific details.Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, who is under house arrest and wearing an ankle bracelet after a rape conviction in June that he has appealed, was also seen leaving the hospital after a more than four-hour visit, as was the king's sister.
