Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Norway’s King Harald Remains in ‘Very Serious’ Condition Hospital
Norway’s King Harald is very sick in a hospital.
He is 89 years old.
The royal palace said his condition became “very serious.”
He was admitted to the hospital on August 17.
Reports said he was being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood.
Another report also said he had fluid buildup connected to treatment for another illness.
His son Crown Prince Haakon, Queen Sonja and other relatives visited him.
They cancelled some trips and public events.
Government leaders also changed their travel plans.
Many people gathered and left flowers while waiting for news.
King Harald V, 89, remained in “very serious” condition at Oslo University Hospital on Thursday.
The palace said Harald had been hospitalized on August 17; reports cited a bacterial blood infection, while Bloomberg also reported fluid accumulation linked to cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia.
Crown Prince Haakon, Queen Sonja and other family members visited the king, while planned royal events and trips were cancelled.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the parliament speaker and lawmakers cut short or cancelled overseas travel.
Hundreds gathered outside the Royal Palace and in other cities, with many laying flowers as they awaited updates.
- Who
- King Harald V, his family, Norwegian government and parliamentary officials, and members of the public.
- What
- Harald’s health deteriorated in hospital, and the royal court described his condition as “very serious.”
- When
- The announcement was made on Thursday, August 27; Harald had been hospitalized since August 17.
- Where
- Oslo University Hospital in Oslo, Norway; public gatherings were reported outside the Royal Palace and in other Norwegian cities.
- Why
- Harald was receiving treatment for a reported bacterial blood infection; Bloomberg additionally reported fluid accumulation related to cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia.
- Patient
- King Harald V of Norway
- Age
- 89
- Condition
- Described by the royal court as “very serious”; a later statement said it was unchanged
- Hospital
- Oslo University Hospital
- Admission date
- August 17
- Reported treatment
- A bacterial infection in the blood; Bloomberg also reported fluid accumulation connected to cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia
- Public response
- Hundreds gathered and many laid flowers
- Monarchy support
- Almost two-thirds supported the monarchy in a May survey cited by Reuters
