King Harald V of Norway
Royal reports from the hospital
King Harald V is currently in a hospital in Oslo.
© Eskil Like Furunes/NRK
King Harald V speaks about his illness for the first time. He is happy about the help he has received and speaks of a “difficult situation”.
The Norwegian King Harald V. (87) has now personally commented on his state of health after his return home. In a message to his people, he spoke of a “difficult situation” in which he had found himself. King Harald landed in Norway on Sunday evening after being treated in a hospital in Malaysia for several days. There he was implanted with a temporary pacemaker. He is currently being cared for by experts at Oslo University Hospital, it said. In his speech, he thanked everyone who supported him with advice, support and medical help.
It is both his great need and that of his wife, Queen Sonja (86), to thank everyone for the “care, help and support in connection with the illness” during his vacation in Malaysia. The couple felt the “warmth of the Norwegian people”, which touched and strengthened them: “I thank you all for the care you have shown us as a family.”
The royals also thanked the Malaysian authorities and the staff at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi. Together with the Norwegian health staff, everything was done to ensure that the king recovered well from his illness and could travel home. We are also grateful to the Norwegian government and the Norwegian armed forces for helping to organize the journey home safely and smoothly.
The palace previously announced that the king would need to spend a few more days in the hospital receiving treatment and resting. The royal family also announced that the king was on sick leave for two weeks. During this time, his son Crown Prince Haakon (50) represents him – as he has often done in recent years.
King Harald fell ill while on holiday
The monarch was on a private trip to the Southeast Asian country. The pacemaker was implanted in him “due to a low heart rate.” In a short statement it was previously said: “His Majesty the King fell ill during his vacation in Malaysia and is in hospital there with an infection.” Just a few weeks ago, Harald had to take a break due to a respiratory infection.