King Harald's health deteriorates: bacterial blood infection complicates anaemia treatment, Crown Prince Haakon serves as regent

The Norwegian Royal Court announced on 23 August 2026 that King Harald's health had deteriorated over the weekend. The 89-year-old, already hospitalised for haemolytic anaemia — a rare condition in which red blood cells are destroyed too quickly — is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial blood infection. The palace said he has responded to treatment and his condition is stable. Crown Prince Haakon is serving as regent during the King's two-week sick leave. A 1–2 September visit to Trøndelag is cancelled; Queen Sonja will attend alone.