Last updated:
45 minutes ago
Norway’s King Harald V, 89, is in an “extremely serious” condition after his health deteriorated while he was being treated at Oslo University Hospital. Europe’s oldest reigning monarch has been in hospital since 17 August with haemolytic anaemia, later complicated by a bacterial bloodstream infection.
The worsening condition prompted Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who is serving as regent, to cancel their official engagements and go to the King’s bedside, alongside other members of the royal family.
The news also prompted an outpouring of public support in Oslo. Hundreds of people gathered outside the Royal Palace, where they laid flowers, lit candles and left handwritten messages and drawings for the King. Similar gatherings were reported in other Norwegian cities as people waited for further updates on his health.
