Norwegian King Harald V Hospitalized, Crown Prince Haakon to Assume Regency
King Harald V of Norway, 89, has been admitted to hospital for complications from haemolytic anaemia and will be on medical leave for at least two weeks, with Crown Prince Haakon acting as regent.
King Harald V, 89, was admitted to a Norwegian hospital on Monday after doctors identified complications linked to haemolytic anaemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells prematurely. The palace said recent cortisone treatment caused fluid retention, necessitating hospital care. The monarch will remain on medical leave for a minimum of two weeks, and Crown Prince Haakon will serve as regent during his absence.
Harald has reigned since 1991 and is married to Queen Sonja. The royal family has faced several health issues this year, including hospitalizations of Princess Astrid and Queen Sonja for heart problems and Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s lung transplant following a rare lung disease diagnosis.
"The palace will keep the public informed of the King's condition as it evolves," a palace spokesperson said.
In June, the family also dealt with a criminal case involving Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who was sentenced to four years in prison on rape and related charges.