Norway King Harald Health Update: The king of Norway Harald V has been admitted to hospital for the second time in 2026, leading to more worries concerning the health of the 89 year old Norwegian monarch. The Royal House made the announcement on August 17 that the King has been admitted to Rikshospitalet because he developed fluid buildup associated with his condition of hemolytic anemia. The King will be on leave for two weeks, whereas the Crown Prince Haakon acts as regent during the absence of the King and this is not the first hospital visit for King Harald within just months.
Norway King Harald Health Update: King Harald’s Latest Health Problem
In a statement by the Royal House, it was revealed that the king has been undergoing cortisone medication to treat hemolytic anemia. The effect of this treatment included accumulation of water in the body, thus making it necessary for the king to be hospitalized. This development is noteworthy due to the advanced age of King Harald while at 89 years of age, King Harald is one of the oldest European monarchs.
In Norwegian, the statement read, “The King has been treated with cortisone for the blood disease hemolytic anemia in recent weeks. This has led to fluid accumulation in the body that requires treatment in hospital.”
Norway King Harald Health Update: Second Hospitalization in 2026
This is the second time in the year that King Harald has been hospitalized while during February, he had to be hospitalized when visiting the island of Tenerife together with his wife Queen Sonja. The doctors then noted that the King had been infected and also dehydrated. This was according to his doctor, Bjørn Bendz, who further added that this infection resulted from the skin infection that had occurred in one of the legs. He made it clear that infections should be treated seriously for a person nearing 90 years.
Norway King Harald Health Update: A Long Record of Medical Challenges
King Harald has been suffering from some serious medical complications in the last few years while his leg surgeries took place in 2022, he had coronavirus infection in 2022 and 2023 and he had a pacemaker inserted into his body in 2024.
This most recent illness is thus a continuation of the period during which the health of the monarch became a topic of public concern however the palace authorities kept emphasizing that King Harald fulfills all his duties when he can while Norway’s monarchy has been experiencing some other health issues recently.
Norway King Harald Health Update: Crown Prince Haakon Steps In
For the two weeks that King Harald will be on sick leave, Crown Prince Haakon will become the regent and this has happened before. Haakon had previously stood in for the king during his hospitalization in February. It is an aspect of how the Norwegian monarchy ensures continuity in situations where the king is not available to execute the duties of his office.
Who Is Norway King Harald?
King Harald V is the current monarch of Norway and he was crowned king in 1991. King Harald was born in 1937. In 2026, he will be 89 years old, having ruled for 35 years. The current king inherited the throne from his father, King Olav V. He is married to Queen Sonja and their son, Crown Prince Haakon, will succeed him.
King Harald Net Worth: What Is the Norwegian Monarch Worth?
There is no official figure that reveals King Harald V’s net worth currently while old figures have estimated his wealth to be worth about $30 million, newer estimates of wealth on famous celebrity websites place the King’s wealth much higher. In a 2019 report, it was stated that the King and Queen’s liquid wealth was NOK 100 million.
Norway King Harald Health Update: A Monarch Who Has Refused to Abdicate
King Harald ascended to the throne on January 17, 1991, after succeeding his father King Olav V and it was January 2026 when The Norwegian Royal House celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary as King and Queen. King Harald had previously emphasized that retiring from his position will not be something that he will consider.
Asked about abdication in 2024, he referred to the oath he made to Norway’s parliament and said: “I stand by what I have said all along.” That commitment helps explain why each new hospitalization attracts close attention. For now, Crown Prince Haakon’s temporary role offers continuity while Norway waits for further news about its aging monarch’s recovery.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official royal statements and reported information available at publication time. Medical details may change.
