Norway's Royal Court says King Harald's condition worsened over the weekend.
Why it matters: The 89-year-old monarch's health affects who is carrying out the duties of the Norwegian head of state. Crown Prince Haakon is already serving as regent while Harald is on sick leave.
- The Royal Court said Aug. 23 that Harald's condition worsened over the weekend, but he was stable and responding to antibiotics.
- The palace said he is being treated for a bacterial bloodstream infection after admission to the National Hospital about a week earlier.
- AP reported Aug. 24 that Harald has been on sick leave for several weeks and Crown Prince Haakon is serving as regent.
- Harald has been Norway's monarch since 1991, according to AP.
Norway's Royal Court said King Harald's condition worsened over the weekend, but the monarch remained stable and was responding to antibiotics. The court said he is being treated for a bacterial bloodstream infection after being admitted to the National Hospital about a week earlier. The palace statement described the change in health status without giving a broader prognosis.
AP reported Aug. 24 that the 89-year-old king has been on sick leave for several weeks, with Crown Prince Haakon serving as regent during that period. AP also reported that Harald has hemolytic anemia and had recently been treated with cortisone. AP's report said the treatment led to fluid accumulation that required hospital care.
Harald has been Norway's monarch since 1991. The Royal Court's press page says the crown prince is regent while the king is on sick leave. Royal Court press updates
By the numbers
- 89 - Harald's age, according to AP.
- 1991 - The year Harald became Norway's monarch.
- Several weeks - How long AP said the king has been on sick leave.
Yes, but: The palace statement confirms the worsening condition and antibiotic treatment, but it does not provide a detailed prognosis.