King Harald V of Norway is hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital for a bacterial bloodstream infection. The 89-year-old monarch, who has reigned since 1991, will remain on sick leave until further notice.
Treatment Details
The king is being treated with antibiotics for a bloodstream bacterial infection and is also receiving cortisone for haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood disorder that reduces the number of red blood cells and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath. He remains at Rikshospitalet and will not attend public duties until he is fit.
Regent’s Role
Since the king’s admission a week ago, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has served as regent and has taken over the day-to-day duties of the Norwegian monarchy. Haakon has previously stated that he will continue to represent Norway in his father’s absence.
Historical Context
In April 2024 the Norwegian royal household announced that the king would make a “permanent reduction” in public engagements due to age. The king also received a pacemaker after falling ill in Malaysia, and has since then experienced several health challenges.
Royal Family Challenges in 2026
The Norwegian royal household has also faced several personal challenges in 2026. Crown Princess Mette-Marit received a lung transplant in June after being diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. Meanwhile, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison for two counts of rape. Additionally, documents were released showing that Mette-Marit had frequent contact with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Conclusion
The king will remain in hospital and on sick leave from official duties until further notice. Crown Prince Haakon continues to represent Norway in his father’s absence, while the household deals with multiple personal and medical challenges in 2026.
