King of Norway rushed to hospital with infection during holiday in Malaysia

The King has received good follow-up from both Malaysian and Norwegian medical personnel after falling ill on holiday.

It comes as earlier this month the Norwegian Royal Family announced that the King is experiencing an ongoing respiratory illness.

The 87-year-old monarch was on holiday in the South-East Asian country when he was taken to hospital.

In a statement earlier this month, the Norwegian Royal Family announced: "His Majesty the King is on sick leave until Friday, February 2 due to a respiratory infection.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Regent carries out the King's programme."

However, on February 2 the King's sick leave was extended again over the weekend.

Today the royal household announced: "His majesty the King has fallen ill during his holiday stay in Malaysia, and is hospitalised there, with an infection.

"The King receives good care from both Malaysian and Norwegian medical personnel."

The King of Norway is Europe's current oldest monarch, but has no plans to abdicate the throne.

When speaking to a Norwegian press centre in Oslo with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, the King confirmed that he would be in it for life.

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The King said: “I stick by what I’ve always said, that I swore an oath to the Storting (parliament) and it is for life.”

The Norwegian King’s health has led to speculation over whether he would follow in the footsteps of his 83-year-old distant cousin, Queen Margrethe.

Harald walks with crutches and has recently undergone heart surgery. He has also been hospitalised in the past for respiratory issues and infections.

The Queen of Denmark stepped down from the throne in less than a year after she underwent extensive back surgery.