King Harald V of Norway has been discharged from a hospital in Tenerife, Spain, following treatment for a skin infection. The royal palace announced that the king, who celebrated his 89th birthday last weekend, would leave the hospital on Thursday. He and his wife, Queen Sonja, are expected to continue their private vacation in the Canary Islands, with no set date for their return to Norway.
The king was admitted to the hospital earlier this week after experiencing health issues. His personal doctor, Bjørn Bendz, flew to Tenerife to oversee his care. Dr. Bendz confirmed that the king was treated for a skin infection on one of his legs, but he responded well and has shown a quick recovery. He will remain in Tenerife for several days to monitor the situation.
Dr. Bendz noted, “When people of almost 90 years old are admitted with an infection, it is serious.” This statement reflects the heightened concern surrounding the health of the elderly monarch, who has been Norway’s king since 1991.
The recent hospitalization comes during a challenging period for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, married to Crown Prince Haakon, has faced increased scrutiny regarding her past associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship is currently on trial in Oslo for numerous alleged offences, including charges of rape. He has denied these allegations while admitting to lesser charges.
Public support for the monarchy has taken a noticeable hit, dropping to 60 percent in February from 70 percent the previous month, according to a Norstat poll published by the public broadcaster NRK on February 21, 2024. This decline in popularity may be linked to ongoing controversies surrounding certain members of the royal family.
In a previous health scare, King Harald fell ill during a vacation in Malaysia two years ago, where he received a temporary pacemaker before being transported back to Norway for further treatment. Following that incident, he indicated a willingness to reduce his official engagements but firmly ruled out the possibility of abdication, asserting that his oath as king is for life.
As the king recuperates, the royal family continues to navigate these turbulent times, balancing personal health concerns with public expectations.
