Norway’s 89-year-old King Harald V will spend several additional days in a Spanish hospital while doctors treat a skin infection on his leg, according to his physician.
The monarch was hospitalized Tuesday evening while vacationing with Queen Sonja on Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, just days after celebrating his 89th birthday. His personal physician, Bjørn Bendz, flew to the island Wednesday to oversee his care.
In a palace statement, Bendz reported that the king’s overall condition remains good and he is showing positive response to infection treatment. However, the doctor emphasized the need for continued hospital care over the coming days.
“It’s always serious when people nearing 90 are admitted for treatment to an infection,” Bendz explained, adding that medical staff want to thoroughly assess Harald’s health before release, “even though his condition is stable now.”
This marks another health challenge for the Norwegian ruler, who experienced medical issues during a 2022 vacation in Malaysia. During that trip, he required emergency pacemaker surgery and was transported back to Norway via medical aircraft for a permanent device.
Harald has served as Norway’s king since taking the throne in 1991. His current hospitalization occurs during a difficult period for Norway’s royal family.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of heir Crown Prince Haakon, has recently faced renewed questions about her past connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Additionally, Mette-Marit’s son from an earlier relationship is currently facing trial in Oslo on serious criminal charges, including allegations of rape.
