King Harald of Norway's health deteriorates in hospital

Concern is growing for King Harald of Norway after the Royal Palace announced his health had deteriorated over the weekend. The 89-year-old monarch is receiving treatment for a bacterial blood infection at Oslo University Hospital, where he has been a patient for over a week. The palace stated on Sunday that the king is responding to antibiotics and his condition is stable, though he remains on sick leave from royal duties until further notice. King Harald was admitted to the hospital on Monday, August 17, due to fluid retention, a complication arising from cortisone treatment he was receiving for hemolytic anemia. This condition, caused by the rapid destruction of red blood cells, leads to symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. The palace confirmed that a bacterial infection was subsequently found in his blood, prompting the current course of antibiotics. Crown Prince Haakon, who has been serving as regent during his father's incapacitation, visited the king in hospital on Monday, August 24. He was accompanied by Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Queen Sonja, and Princess Astrid.