King Harald set to return to work after sick leave

King Harald of Norway has been on sick leave for almost two weeks, but will be back at work within days. The Norwegian Royal Court has just confirmed that the king will attend an audience later this week.

Sven Gjeruldsen, communications manager for the Norwegian Royal Court, has given the following statement to the Norwegian newspaper VG: “I can confirm that His Majesty the King will resume his constitutional duties” with Harald set to return to duties on February 10th 2022.

King Harald has been on sick leave since January 28th 2022 when he developed mild cold symptoms. The sick leave was extended twice after this date.

The announcement came the day after minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, tested positive for coronavirus just hours after an audience with the King, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon. King Harald, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon had to undergo testing themselves.On 29 January, Queen Sonja opened the exhibition “State of the Art” by Bjørn Ransve at Haugar Art Museum in Tønsberg. Then, she gave an update on the King’s health situation to the press. Her Majesty revealed that King Harald had tested negative for COVID-19.

Her Majesty said: “It is going very well, fortunately. It is just a mild cold with a sore throat.”

When the Royal Court announced King Harald’s illness, they also revealed that Crown Prince Haakon had no symptoms and had tested negative; it was also announced that Queen Sonja had tested negative for the virus. As such, the Crown Prince later held the Council of State meeting in the King’s absence.

Both King Harald and Queen Sonja have had three doses of the COVID vaccine.