King Harald of Norway is in hospital after a surprise admission this afternoon during a medical test.
King Harald, 89, was kept in for further tests and care at the Rigshopitalet in Oslo after his doctors became concerned about the side effects of treatment for a form of anaemia.
In recent weeks, Harald has been treated for hemolytic anemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells faster than the body can make new ones.
The King of Norway has been receiving cortisone as part of his treatment but now his medics are concerned that this has led to fluid retention and he has now been admitted to hospital for checks and treatment.
The Norwegian royal court immediately announced that King Harald will take two weeks’ sick leave and his heir, Crown Prince Haakon, is now regent until further notice.
Crown Prince Haakon does step in regularly as regent, when his father is unwell or on holiday, but in recent months has taken a back step as his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is recoving from a lung transplant.
However, the Crown Prince will now take on the full duties of state as his father recovers.
Crown Prince Haakon’s own heir, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, has recently started studies at the University of Oslo after making a temporary swap there from college in Sydney, Australia. She wanted to be closer to home to be with her mother following the deterioration in Mette-Marit’s health that led to the lung transplant beig needed. The Crown Princess of Norway was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.
King Harald has suffered several bouts of ill health in recent years while his wife, Queen Sonja, has also had hospital stays in the past months. The Queen of Norway, 89, has had treatment for heart problems.
King Harald is very popular in Norway, with his approval ratings continuing to grow after a reign of 35 years.
