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Royal News

King Harald of Norway on sick leave as Crown Prince Haakon steps in

King Harald of Norway is taking several days off after contracting a respiratory infection.

His heir, Crown Prince Haakon, will act as regent until February 6th 2024 after the King’s sick leave was extended as he continued to recover.

King Harald, who celebrates his 87th birthday in just a few days’ time, is recuperating at home while Crown Prince Haakon takes on his engagements.

Soon after the announcement was made, the Crown Prince was joined by his mother, Queen Sonja, for an event commemorating King Magnus VI, the first to bring Norway under one rule of law.

Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been undertaking a high profile visit to Cairo as January comes to an end.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.