Norwegian Royal Family issues health update as King remains in hospital

The Norwegian Royal Family issued a statement on King Harald's health

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Hannah Ross

By Hannah Ross


Published: 28/02/2024

- 17:45

Updated: 28/02/2024

- 17:47

A statement confirmed that King Harald of Norway is “improving” in hospital

The Norwegian Royal Household has issued a health update on King Harald as he recovers from an infection in Malaysia.

On Tuesday the King of Norway was rushed to hospital while on holiday in South East Asia.


A statement has been released revealing that the King is “improving” from his infection and is being “well taken care of.”

The 87-year-old monarch was on a private holiday when he fell ill after experiencing an ongoing respiratory illness.

King Harald

King Harald of Norway is 87 years old

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The update said: “His Majesty the King’s personal physician is in Langkawi and confirms that the King is improving from his infection.

“His Majesty is well taken care of at the hospital and is receiving good treatment.”

Earlier this month, King Harald had to cancel public engagements to go on sick leave due to a respiratory infection.

The statement continued: “His Majesty will remain at the hospital for a few more days. No decision has been made regarding his return home.

His Majesty King Harald V of NorwayKing Harald of Norway has been hospitalised Getty

“The Norwegian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has offered practical assistance during the visit. The official program for the rest of the Royal Family continues as planned.”

King Harald’s son, the Norwegian crown prince, also commented that his father is getting better in hospital.

Prince Haakon told reporters: “We spoke to my mother and father this morning…it seems that his health was a little better.”

The crown prince is taking the lead in his father’s absence and is due to meet with the prime minister and the government on Friday.

His Majesty King Harald V of Norway

The Crown Prince has said that his father, Harald, is getting better

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King HaraldKing Harald attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022PA

Haakon said on a trip with Crown Princess Mette-Marit: “What he needs now is to be in the hospital a few more days and to get some rest.

“It’s good that things are getting better.”

Harald, Europe’s oldest living monarch, has suffered several health scares during his reign including bladder cancer in 2003 and heart surgery in 2005.

But when asked in an interview if he would ever consider abdicating the throne he said: “I stick by what I’ve always said, that I swore an oath to the Storting (parliament) and it is for life.”

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