Norway | Crown Prince Haakon was overnight at the hospital with the King, VG reports
Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
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- Crown Prince Haakon reportedly stayed overnight at the hospital with King Harald, whose health had previously been described as "very serious."
- The King was admitted on Monday, August 17, due to fluid buildup related to his treatment for hemolytic anemia.
- The royal family has canceled planned engagements, and the public has gathered to lay flowers outside the royal palace.
Crown Prince Haakon reportedly spent the night at the hospital with King Harald, according to Norwegian media outlet VG. The 89-year-old monarch's health had reportedly worsened on Thursday, with the Royal House initially stating his condition was "very serious" before later clarifying it remained unchanged.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were seen leaving and later returning to the hospital. Crown Princess Mette-Marit departed for their home late Thursday evening, while Queen Sonja left after a ten-hour visit. Both the Crown Prince and Queen have canceled their scheduled programs.
The King's condition was 'very serious.'
King Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet on Monday, August 17. The Royal House explained that fluid had accumulated in his body due to treatment for hemolytic anemia, a condition characterized by accelerated red blood cell destruction. His health had reportedly deteriorated further on Sunday, August 23.
The King's condition remained unchanged.
The King has a history of health issues, particularly heart problems. He was hospitalized in February for an infection and dehydration and underwent surgery in Malaysia in February-March 2024, where he received a pacemaker. The news of his declining health on Thursday prompted a public display of support, with many people bringing flowers to the Royal Palace in Oslo.
Other members of the royal family, including Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Princess Astrid, also visited the King at the hospital. The article also notes the line of succession, with Crown Prince Haakon set to inherit the throne after King Harald, and his daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra eventually succeeding him.
Hemolytic anemia means accelerated destruction of red blood cells.
About this summary
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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