King Harald of Norway, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, has seen a deterioration in his health over the weekend. The 89-year-old monarch, who has been on sick leave for several weeks, was admitted to the National Hospital a week ago.
The royal palace stated that the king is currently receiving antibiotics for a bacterial blood infection. While he has responded to the treatment and his condition is now stable, he also suffers from hemolytic anemia. This condition involves the abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells, which can lead to paleness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
The king had been treated with cortisone for hemolytic anemia, which led to fluid accumulation in the body that required hospital treatment. Harald, who has been the monarch since 1991, has been in and out of the hospital several times in recent years. Crown Prince Haakon has been serving as regent during this time.