King Harald of Norway remains seriously unwell in hospital this evening at the end of a day that saw the whole of his country follow his state with interest.
As night fell, the heir to the throne was at the side of the man who has ruled Norway for 35 years. While other family members were seen leaving, Crown Prince Haakon was not. He had had a quick break at home after hours with his father.
Crown Prince Haakon was at Rikshospitalet with his father, King Harald, 89, at the end of a long day that had seen politicians and clerics return to Norway as the monarch’s condition worsened.
Early in the morning, the Royal Court of Norway had announced that Kign Harald’s health had deteriorated and he was now seriously ill.
Queen Sonja cancelled her public engagements to be with her husband of 58 years and was driven immediately to the hospital.
Crown Prince Haakon, who is also regent of Norway at the moment, also cancelled his duties and headed to the Rikshospitalet with his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Their two children joined them. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, joined Harald’s other grandchildren at the hospital to spend time with their grandfather.
Princess Martha Louise, only daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, was with the family. Her husband, Durek Verrett, underwent a kidney transplant earlier this week and is recuperating. Her three daughters are understood to have been with their grandfather. Maud Behn, Leah Behn and Emma Behn spent time with King Harald as medics continued to treat him.
The King of Norway was admitted to hospital ten days ago with fluid retention, a consequence of treatment for a form of anaemia. Earlier this week, his medical team announced that he had developed a bloodstream infection and was being treated with antibiotics. He had responded well to that treatment but early on Thursday, his condition worsened.
People began to gather at the Royal Palace soon after the news was announced and left flowers and candles. As the evening fell and the light faded, the crowds continued to come, an echo of the vigil held there 35 years ago when Harald’s father, King Olav, died.
Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, cancelled an overseas visit as did the President of the Storting while Norwegian bishops made their way back from Rome.
In the early evening, the Royal Court announced that King Harald’s condition remained unchanged. Crown Prince Haakon left the hospital with Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Ingrid Alexandra while Queen Sonja stayed. A few hours later, the Crown Prince and Princess returned while the 89 year old queen made her way home. Crown Princess Mette-Marit later left Riskhospitalet while Crown Prince Haakon remained at the side of his father.
Harald V has been King of Norway since January 1991.
