Health of Norway's king deteriorates, palace says

The health of Norway's King Harald V, 89, has deteriorated during the weekend while in hospital, the royal household says in a statement.

Harald, Europe's oldest current head of state, was hospitalised on Monday and was treated for anaemia.

"His Majesty the King's health deteriorated over the weekend. The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood, and has responded to this treatment," the palace said, while adding that his condition was stable.

Harald received treatment for a skin infection on one of his legs while on holiday in Spain's Canary Islands in February.

In February 2024, the king fell ill during a private holiday with Queen Sonja in Malaysia and received a temporary pacemaker there.

Harald returned aboard a medical airplane to Norway, where he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker.

Following that episode, the king said he would cut back on official engagements but ruled out abdication, insisting his oath as king is for life.