Norway's King Harald in 'Very Serious' Condition, Royal Family Gathers
King Harald's Health Crisis and Royal Family Response
King Harald's Deteriorating Health
OSLO, Aug 27 (Reuters) - The health of Norway's King Harald, 89, has deteriorated while in hospital and his condition is now "very serious", the royal court said on Thursday.
Europe's oldest living monarch and Norway's ceremonial head of state since 1991, Harald was taken to hospital on August 17. The palace said he was being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood.
Royal Family Gathers at Hospital
Cancellations and Support
Crown Prince Haakon and Harald's wife, Queen Sonja, have both cancelled all planned events, the palace said in a statement.
Family Members Arrive
Members of Harald's family, including the crown prince and the queen, were seen arriving at the Oslo University Hospital where the king is being treated, Norwegian media reported.
National and Political Reactions
Prime Minister's Statement
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said in a statement to the media, "The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family."
King Harald's Commitment to Duty
Reduction of Official Activities
The king announced in 2024 that he would reduce the number of official activities in which he takes part out of consideration for his age, but ruled out abdication, saying his oath as king was for life.
(Reporting by Louise Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvika and Timothy Heritage)
