Norway’s King Harald’s health has “deteriorated” while he was in hospital this weekend, the royal household said in a statement on Sunday. Harald, 89, is being treated for hemolytic anemia, a disease caused by the rapid destruction of red blood cells. The disorder causes fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and paleness. “His Majesty the King’s health deteriorated over the weekend. The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood and has responded to this treatment,” the palace said. His condition was stable, the statement added. What else do we know about the health of the king of Norway? Harald was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on Monday due to fluid retention related to the cortisone treatment he has been receiving. He was placed on sick leave for two weeks. The king also canceled a visit to the Trondelag region of central Norway on September 1 and 2, which falls after the two-week sick leave period. Members of Harald’s family visited the monarch in the hospital. [FILE: August 2024]Picture: Cornelius Poppe/NTB/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Several relatives visited him in hospital on Sunday, including his wife Queen Sonja, his son Crown Prince Haakon, Haakon’s wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the king’s sister, according to newspaper Verdens Gang. Haakon has acted as regent in his father’s absence. Harald’s history of health problems Harald, who ascended to the throne in 1991, is Europe’s longest reigning monarch. The king has suffered numerous health problems in recent years. He was fitted with a pacemaker and was forced to reduce his official activities and responsibilities. He was hospitalized with an infection and dehydration in February this year during a private trip with Queen Sonia to Tenerife. Despite his health problems, he has said he will not abdicate, having taken a lifetime oath before parliament. The rape trial of Mette-Marit’s son has damaged the reputation of the royal family in Norway. [FILE: June 2022]Image: Lise Aserud/NTB/AP Photo/picture Alliance Difficult year for Norwegian royals Harald’s health is the latest worry for the Norwegian royals, who have been marred by scandal this year. His son Haakon’s wife, Mette-Marit, has been making headlines for her close ties to the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her son from a previous marriage, Marius Borg Hoiby, was sentenced in June to four years in prison for two counts of rape. Hoiby appealed the verdict. Epstein’s fallout in Norway: a case study in accountability? To view this video, please enable JavaScript and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Edited by: Wesley Dockery If you trust our team for trustworthy reporting, please take a moment to select us as your preferred source on Google, so you always see our verified news first.
