Norway's Crown Prince Haakon stayed overnight at the hospital with King Harald

Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon reportedly spent the night at the hospital with his father, King Harald V, as the 89-year-old monarch's health took a serious turn. Norwegian media outlet VG reported on Friday that the king's condition, described by the Royal House on Thursday as "very serious," had later stabilized.

Earlier on Thursday, the Royal House had announced the king's health had deteriorated. However, a subsequent update indicated his condition remained unchanged. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were seen leaving the hospital in the afternoon but returned later. Queen Sonja also spent ten hours at the hospital before departing in the early evening, according to NRK.

In response to the developing situation, Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Sonja have canceled their scheduled public appearances. The royal family has been present at Rikshospitalet, the hospital where the king is being treated. Media reports indicate that Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Princess Astrid, Harald's elder sister, were among those who visited the king.

The news of the king's declining health on Thursday prompted a public display of support, with many people gathering outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to lay flowers. King Harald was admitted to the hospital on Monday, August 17, due to fluid buildup related to the treatment of hemolytic anemia, a condition characterized by the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells. He has a history of health issues, including heart problems, and has been hospitalized previously this year for an infection and dehydration, and in early 2024 underwent pacemaker surgery.