King Harald V of Norway is in an "extremely serious" condition at Oslo University Hospital, the royal household announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized since August 17, suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood condition that causes rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.

Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who is acting as regent during his father’s illness, have cancelled all royal engagements. Members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and King Harald's sister Princess Astrid, have been reported at the king’s bedside.

King Harald ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991 and is Europe’s oldest head of state. He has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including the fitting of a pacemaker in 2024 after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia. Recently, he has been treated with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia, which led to fluid retention requiring hospital admission.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed national solidarity, stating, "The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family."

Crown Princess Mette-Marit underwent a lung transplant in June 2026 after being diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.

The palace provided no further details beyond confirming the king’s extremely serious health condition.

Sources