Norway's King Harald in 'very serious' condition

• King Harald V of Norway is in a "very serious" condition in hospital.
• The 89-year-old monarch was admitted on August 17 for treatment of a bacterial infection in his blood.
• His condition has deteriorated, with the palace stating it is now "extremely serious".
• Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have cancelled royal engagements to be at his bedside.
• Crown Prince Haakon is acting as regent during his father's illness.

King Harald V of Norway is in a "very serious" condition in hospital, with family members gathering at his bedside. The 89-year-old monarch, Europe's oldest living head of state, was admitted on August 17 and is being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood, which has since deteriorated to an "extremely serious" state.

His wife, Queen Sonja, and son, Crown Prince Haakon, who is serving as regent, have cancelled all royal engagements to be with him at Oslo University Hospital. Other family members, including Princess Astrid and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's children, have also visited. Norwegians have responded by laying flowers outside the palace in Oslo.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed the nation's solidarity, stating, "The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family." The King has experienced multiple health issues in recent years, including a pacemaker fitting in 2024 and treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a condition that reduces red blood cells and causes fatigue.