King Harald of Norway`s sick leave is extended until March, the Norwegian Royal Court has announced. The king is still in recovery after the operation for a torn tendon above the knee two weeks ago.
The Royal Court has stated that the doctors recommend further rehabilitation before the king resumes his constitutional duties. His sick leave is therefore extended until and including Sunday 14 March. The king is currently staying at Kongsseteren, where he is receiving physiotherapy treatment.
King Harald had a successful operation for a torn tendon over his right knee earlier this year. The sick leave is one of several the king has had in the last year and a half. In September last year, he was on sick leave for a period in connection with a heart operation and in January last year he was on sick leave due to dizziness. The previous autumn, a viral infection led to sick leave. King Harald and Queen Sonja received the second and final dose of coronavirus vaccine in early February.
It is known that the King sustained an injury to one foot during his time in the military and that this is the reason why he is sometimes seen limping on one foot. In the autumn of 2020, King Harald began to walk with a cane.
The latest period of sick leave comes just after the 30th anniversary of Harald’s accession to the throne. On January 17 this year it was 30 years since King Harald and Queen Sonja became Norway’s royal couple. The king has been clear that the throne is in good hands when their son, Crown Prince Haakon, steps in. King Harald said in the recently published book “The King Tells”: “Both King Haakon and Olav were kings who did things alone. My father did not let me do anything. We operate more from the idea of cooperation today. There are other times. I call us a team, with the court, the crown prince couple and us. It is a strength.”
Crown Prince Haakon will lead the nation as Crown Prince Regent until the King is healthy enough to resume his constitutional duties. He will lead the council of state and hold audiences with key politicians and the leadership of the Norwegian defence.
