King Harald V's Condition Turns Extremely Serious at 89 as Norwegians Lay Flowers in Oslo
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 27
King Harald V's Condition Turns Extremely Serious at 89 as Norwegians Lay Flowers in Oslo
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 27
Summary
King Harald V, 89, was described by the palace as in an "extremely serious" condition after 10 days in Oslo University Hospital for haemolytic anaemia.
Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon cancelled engagements to remain at his bedside for hours, while Haakon later returned with Crown Princess Mette-Marit and other family members also visited.
Flowers gathered outside Oslo's palace as crowds filled Palace Square, Norwegian public TV dropped its regular schedule, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a Germany trip.
Haakon, 53, has been serving as regent during the king's leave; Harald, on the throne since 1991, is Europe's oldest head of state and has scaled back duties after recent health problems, including a 2024 pacemaker.