King Harald's condition worsens; royal family gathers at hospital

The health of Norway's King Harald has taken a serious turn, with the Royal House announcing that his condition has worsened and is now considered "very serious."

In response to the grave news, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have canceled all their scheduled commitments. Reports indicate that other members of the royal family, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Astrid, and even Marius Borg Høiby, have arrived at the hospital where the 89-year-old monarch is being treated.

King Harald was admitted to the hospital on August 17 due to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. The Royal Court had previously announced on Sunday that his health had deteriorated further, and he is also receiving treatment for a blood infection.

The gravity of the situation has prompted significant responses beyond the immediate royal family. Norway's bishops, currently on a trip to Rome, are cutting their journey short. Similarly, the Storting's foreign and defense committee members are returning from a visit to South Korea, and the President of the Storting is traveling back from Iceland.