King Harald V of Norway is in a “very serious” condition in the hospital, according to the Royal House of Norway, prompting crowds to gather outside the royal palace in Oslo and political leaders to cancel trips abroad. King Harald, aged 89 and Europe’s oldest living monarch, has reigned for 35 years and remains immensely popular with the Norwegian public despite recent family scandals.
Hospitalization and Medical Status
King Harald has remained hospitalized since August 17, receiving treatment for a bloodstream bacterial infection, according to statements from the Royal House of Norway. The palace reported that his condition deteriorated last weekend, and a subsequent update on Thursday confirmed that his health status remains unchanged. Crown Prince Haakon, acting as Regent, visited his father at Oslo University Hospital alongside Crown Princess Mette-Marit and other family members.
Political and National Reactions
The king’s deteriorating health has disrupted official schedules across Norway’s government and religious leadership. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere cancelled a trip to Germany to remain in the capital. “The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family,” Prime Minister Stoere said in a public statement.
Additional political and civic leaders cut short international engagements to return to Oslo. Masud Gharahkhani, the speaker of Norway’s parliament, ended an official visit to Iceland, while members of the College of Bishops of the Lutheran Church of Norway planned to return from Rome.
Monarchy Popularity Amid Family Scandals
Public sentiment toward the Norwegian monarchy remains complex, balancing deep affection for King Harald with scrutiny over recent controversies involving extended family members. According to a February survey conducted by Norstat for Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), King Harald earned a high approval score of 9.2 out of 10. Crown Prince Haakon also maintains strong public standing with a score of 7.9.
Public support faces pressure from separate legal and personal issues within the royal household. Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a prior relationship, is currently serving a four-year prison sentence following his conviction in June on two counts of rape, alongside charges of assault and drug possession. Høiby holds no royal titles.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also faced public scrutiny regarding past communications with Jeffrey Epstein. In a February television interview, Mette-Marit apologized for the association, stating she was manipulated and deceived, though newly released emails showed her joking with Epstein and searching his background online. In the same NRK survey, Mette-Marit’s public approval rating registered at 3.7. She underwent a double lung transplant in June following years of poor health.
The Role of Princess Ingrid Alexandra
With senior royals managing mounting state duties and health concerns, attention has turned increasingly toward Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is next in line to the throne. Princess Ingrid Alexandra completed her military service and began a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on international relations and political economy at the University of Sydney in August last year. She cut short her studies in Australia in June to return to Oslo during her mother’s surgery and is scheduled to continue her education at the University of Oslo.