King Harald V of Norway was admitted to the National Hospital on Monday afternoon to receive treatment for complications related to a blood disease. The Royal Palace announced that the 89-year-old monarch is experiencing fluid accumulation resulting from recent medical treatments.
The King has been receiving cortisone to treat hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, for several weeks. According to the palace statement, the king had already been on sick leave for two weeks prior to this hospitalization.
During the King's medical absence, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, is serving as regent. This role allows the Crown Prince to exercise monarchical duties while the sovereign is incapacitated. Harald has served as Norway’s monarch since 1991.
The health of the 89-year-old monarch has led to multiple transfers of power to the Crown Prince in recent years. In February, Harald was hospitalized in Spain’s Canary Islands for a skin infection. Two years ago, he required a medical evacuation from Malaysia to Norway to receive a permanent pacemaker after falling ill during a vacation. For the Norwegian public, these recurring health events establish a pattern where the heir apparent takes on increased responsibilities, providing a transition period for the country's constitutional monarchy.
The specific treatment mentioned—cortisone for hemolytic anemia—will be monitored by staff at the National Hospital to manage the reported side effect of fluid accumulation. The palace has not yet disclosed when the King might be discharged or when he is expected to resume his duties. The next official update will likely depend on the King's response to the hospital treatment, but as of Monday afternoon, all royal functions remain under the authority of the regent.