Norway's 89-year-old King Harald Hospitalized, Crown Prince Haakon Named Regent

Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald was admitted to hospital on Aug 17 and placed on a two-week sick leave, the royal palace announced. Physicians say his haemolytic anaemia, aggravated by recent cortisone therapy, led to fluid retention that required inpatient care. Crown Prince Haakon will serve as regent while the king recuperates.

Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, has previously had a pacemaker installed and reduced his official schedule, yet he maintains his oath to remain monarch. His spouse, Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalized for heart problems in May. The family has recently contended with Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s lung transplant and the legal troubles of her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, as well as past correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.