King Harald of Norway remains in hospital as he continues to
receive treatment following his recent health problems.
The Norwegian royals confirmed on Friday that the 89-year-old
monarch remains at the National Hospital in Oslo for treatment.
The Norwegian King will also miss a planned visit to Trøndelag,
with the royals confirming that Queen Sonja will carry out the
visit as planned.
Crown Prince Haakon has once again stepped in as Regent while
his father remains in hospital.
The latest announcement comes after King Harald was unexpectedly
admitted to hospital following a medical test.
The monarch had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia,
a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the
body can replace them.
His doctors became concerned about side effects from the
cortisone being used as part of his treatment. Amongst their
worries was fluid retention. He was subsequently admitted to Oslo’s
Rikshospitalet for further tests and care.
It was first announced that King Harald would take two weeks’
sick leave, with Crown Prince Haakon assuming his constitutional
duties as regent.
The Crown Prince of Norway regularly acts as regent when his
father is unwell or away, but his responsibilities have increased
in recent months as his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has
undergone treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and a lung
transplant.
The latest announcement confirms that Haakon will continue to
carry out the King’s duties while his father remains in
hospital.
Crown Prince Haakon’s daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, has
also recently returned to Norway from Australia, where she had been
studying, so that she could be closer to her family.
The Norwegian royals said there will be a further health update
on King Harald within the next week.
The monarch has experienced a number of health problems in
recent years, including several hospital admissions, while Queen
Sonja has also received medical treatment.
Despite his health difficulties, King Harald remains a highly
popular figure in Norway. He has been king since 1991, following
the death of his father, King Olav V.
