The news comes after a period of serious health problems for the Norwegian monarch.
King Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet in Oslo on Monday, August 17, following a medical examination. At the time, the royal family said he had been treated with steroids in recent weeks for hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder.
His condition deteriorated during his hospital stay. The royal family later announced that he was receiving antibiotics for an infection caused by bacteria in his blood.
On Monday, August 24, the situation was still described as stable, and the palace said the king had responded to treatment. But on Thursday, August 27, the royal family announced that his health had taken a serious turn.
“The king’s health condition is very serious,” they said.
At the same time, all official engagements for Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Queen Sonja were canceled.
Before the heartbreaking news of the king’s death was announced, several of his closest family members gathered at the hospital.
