Norway’s royal palace has described King Harald V’s health as "extremely serious," with the 89-year-old monarch hospitalized in Oslo since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, a condition causing rapid destruction of red blood cells leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.

On Thursday, August 27, Norway’s royal family gathered at King Harald’s bedside at Oslo University Hospital. Crown Prince Haakon, acting as regent, along with Queen Sonja and other family members, canceled all royal engagements to be by the king’s side. Haakon, his wife Mette-Marit, and their two adult children were seen leaving the hospital in the afternoon, with Norwegian broadcaster NRK reporting that Haakon and Mette-Marit returned to the hospital later that evening.

Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, who is under house arrest with an ankle bracelet following a rape conviction in June that he has appealed, was also seen leaving the hospital after a visit lasting over four hours, as was King Harald’s sister.

Outside the palace, hundreds gathered to pay their respects amid the somber news. Public sentiment reflects deep respect for the monarch, with many viewing him as a unifying figure. One observer noted, "I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you're for or against the monarchy, I think he's well-liked across the board." Another added, "When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction."

In response to the king’s condition, bishops from the Church of Norway cut short a study visit to Rome, where they had met Pope Leo, to return to Norway.

The palace has not provided further details on the king’s condition beyond describing it as "extremely serious" and later "unchanged" as of Thursday afternoon.

Sources