The health of Norway's King Harald, the oldest head of state in Europe, has deteriorated during his hospitalization, the Royal House announced on Sunday.
The 89-year-old monarch was initially admitted to receive treatment for anemia. Over the weekend, his condition worsened due to a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. Medical staff began administering antibiotics, and the king has since shown a positive response to the treatment.
The palace stated in a release that the monarch's health remains a priority, with his current condition described as stable. The statement did not specify the hospital or further medical details.
King Harald, who has led Norway since 1991, has been the continent's longest-serving monarch since the death of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II in January 2024. His recent public appearance in Longyearbyen, on the remote Svalbard archipelago, occurred on June 16, 2025, where he delivered remarks during a local event.
The announcement follows a period of heightened scrutiny over the king's health, coinciding with his advanced age. Norway's monarchy has not faced a succession crisis, with Crown Prince Haakon designated as the heir apparent.
