The Norwegian royal crown has been plagued by health setbacks of late. The best-known case is that of Princess Mette-Marit, who since 2018 has suffered from chronic pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative disease that scars the lung. Her husband, Crown Prince Hakoon, was the one who took her role in most public events while any updates were managed cautiously from the palace.
A situation that was repeated this past Tuesday, after King Harald was admitted to a hospital in Malaysia after an illness. An event that occurred a few days after celebrating his 81st birthday: “His Majesty the King has fallen ill during his vacation in Malaysia and is hospitalized there, suffering from an infection. “The king receives good follow-up from the Malay and Norwegian medical staff.”
Since then, the Nordic royal house has maintained its usual caution, updating citizens relatively frequently through its website. The last of them was published this Friday, announcing positive progress in King Harald’s recovery: “His Majesty the King is still recovering. “The King will remain in the hospital for a few more days to receive treatment and rest before returning home.”
Similarly, Norway is already making preparations to transfer him back home. “The Norwegian Government is facilitating transportation and the Norwegian Armed Forces are responsible for the practical arrangements for his return to Norway,” they explained in the statement, noting that the plane that will bring him back, a SAS Boeing 737-700, has landed. in Malaysia this same Friday.
Likewise, his primary doctor, Bjørn Bendz, also traveled to monitor the monarch’s condition and ensure his recovery. “His Majesty the King’s personal physician reports that His Majesty is improving. King Harald is still receiving treatment in the hospital. His Majesty will remain in the hospital for a few more days and he is well cared for there,” explained another statement issued this past Thursday on his official website.
Among the trips to check on King Harald’s condition, there is also that of his son Hakoon, crown prince. The first-born son had the opportunity to speak with several journalists upon leaving the hospital, assuring that his father was “in good spirits” and that his condition had improved. Even so, the priority remained rest for the man who has been Norway’s top figure since 1991.
