King Harald V of Norway hospitalised following treatment for blood disorder

King Harald V of Norway hospitalised following treatment for blood disorder King Harald V of Norway has been admitted to hospital following treatment for hemolytic anaemia in recent weeks, the Royal House confirmed Europe's oldest monarch has been taken to hospital following treatment for a blood disorder. King Harald V of Norway has been admitted to the National Hospital, the Royal House confirmed today. "The King has been treated with cortisone for the blood disease hemolytic anaemia in recent weeks," the statement read. "This has led to fluid accumulation in the body that requires treatment in hospital. "The King is on sick leave for two weeks. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is Regent during this period. We will return to the consequences this will have for the Royal House's official program." Hemolytic anaemia is a blood disorder which occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can make new ones. It can be inherited from parents or acquired later in life due to infections, immune system problems, or certain medicines. King Harald, 89, is the oldest reigning monarch in Europe and previously visited the hospital just 10 days ago for a "planned checkup and follow-up with a doctor, and he was driven in his own car". He was also hospitalised in February, mere days after his birthday, while on holiday with Queen Sonja in Tenerife. He was treated for an infection and dehydration before returning to Norway. In 2024 during a visit to Malaysia, he was admitted to hospital after his heartrate dropped dangerously low. He was fitted with a temporary pacemaker before travelling back to Norway to receive a permanent one.