Norway's King Harald V in critical condition. "We must prepare for the worst"
The health of Norway's King Harald V has suddenly deteriorated. The monarch has been at Rikshospitalet University Hospital since 17 August. The Norwegian Royal Court has officially confirmed that the situation is very serious. Medical specialists point to the high risk associated with the ruler's age.
Harald V has been in hospital since 17 August 2026.
Fot. Ola Vatn / Det kongelige hoff
King Harald V was admitted to a medical facility due to a rare blood disease and its accompanying complications. In recent hours, medical staff and state representatives have confirmed a worsening of his symptoms. The news prompted a response from both the royal family and Norway's leading politicians.
Harald V's illness. Norway's King has been in hospital for many days
The King was diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia. This is a type of anaemia in which red blood cells break down in the body much faster than the body can produce new ones. The lack of cells forces the heart to work much harder. Earlier steroid treatment caused fluid retention in the body, while a bacterial infection became an additional burden.<br /><br />Bjørn Tore Gjertsen, the chief physician for blood diseases at Haukeland Hospital, told NRK that the monarch's advanced age makes it difficult to use standard medical procedures. Leiv Otto Watne, a specialist in the treatment of elderly people, in turn noted that the presence of bacteria in the blood of a senior with limited physical reserves is a complicated condition that is difficult to control.
We have been following his medical history for more than a week. Given his age and knowing a little about his previous medical history, we believe we have to accept that this is a very serious matter and that we must prepare for the worst
Over the past months, King Harald V has been hospitalised several times.Photo: Anette Ask/The Royal Court
All of Norway reacts to the King's situation. Authorities cancel visits
On Thursday, 27 August, members of the royal family arrived at Rikshospitalet, including Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as well as princesses and princes. Outside the palace in Oslo, residents began laying flowers as a gesture of support for the monarch undergoing treatment. Residents of other cities, including Bergen, are making similar gestures.<br /><br />Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Speaker of Parliament Masud Gharahkhani issued official messages of support for the King. Due to the monarch's health situation, the Prime Minister cancelled his planned trip for a working meeting and dinner with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, choosing to remain at his office in Oslo. The President of the Storting cancelled his visit to Iceland.
Rikshospitalet's management has secured specialised medical facilities intended for round-the-clock treatment of infections and blood diseases. The Prime Minister's Office has introduced continuous monitoring of medical updates.
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