Norway is preparing for the worst as concern grows over the health of King Harald, after the 89-year-old monarch suffered a serious deterioration in hospital.
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK has issued a stark assessment of the situation, with a reporter stating: “We must prepare for the worst.”
The warning comes just hours after the Norwegian Royal Court announced that King Harald’s health had deteriorated significantly.
In its latest update, the Palace said that “His Majesty the King’s state of health is very serious.”
The stark statement represents a dramatic change from the more reassuring updates issued earlier this week.
King Harald has been receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Oslo since August 17, when he was admitted after doctors became concerned about complications from his treatment for haemolytic anaemia.
The 89-year-old had been receiving cortisone for the condition, but developed fluid retention which required hospital treatment.
During his stay, the King developed a bacterial infection in his blood and was given antibiotics.
The Royal Court initially said that Harald responded to the treatment and that his condition had stabilised.
On Monday, the Palace said there had been no significant changes in his health and that his condition remained stable.
That reassurance has now been replaced by the Palace’s announcement that his health is “very serious.”
The development has prompted a dramatic response from across Norway.
Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Sverre Magnus have travelled urgently to the National Hospital, while Queen Sonja has also cancelled her scheduled engagements.
Crown Prince Haakon is currently acting as Regent while his father is unable to carry out his constitutional duties.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has also spoken out, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the deterioration in the King’s health.
“I join the condolences of the entire country, as we send our most sincere thoughts to the King and the rest of the royal family,” the Prime Minister said.
He added: “I trust that the King is receiving the best care and kind and attentive treatment at the National Hospital.”
He said he joined the thoughts of the entire country in sending his “most sincere thoughts” to King Harald and the Royal Family.
The country’s public broadcaster, NKR, has now underlined the gravity of the situation with its warning that Norway must prepare for the worst.
King Harald has been one of Norway’s most popular public figures since becoming King in 1991.
His latest health crisis comes after years of increasingly frequent medical problems, including repeated infections, heart surgery and the implantation of a permanent pacemaker.
The Norwegian Royal Family has also endured a difficult year, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit undergoing a lung transplant after her pulmonary fibrosis worsened.
For now, the Royal Court has not provided further details about what has caused the latest deterioration in Harald’s condition.
The King remains in hospital, with his family at his side and Crown Prince Haakon continuing to serve as Regent.
