SHARE
COPY LINK

ROYALS

Norway’s king to return to duties following heart procedure

Norway's 87-year-old King Harald, who is in fragile health, will return to work on Monday after a lengthy sick leave, the palace said Friday.

Pictured is Norway's King Harald aboard a boat.
Norway's 87-year-old King Harald, who is in fragile health, will return to work on Monday. Photo by / AFP / JAIME REINA

Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, Harald contracted an infection while on holiday on the Malaysian island of Langkawi in late February.

He was repatriated on a medical transport flight to Norway, where he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker.

His return to work, which primarily consists of ceremonial functions, has been repeatedly postponed.

But the palace’s official calendar indicates that he will be back on the job on Monday, holding audiences with the head of the Norwegian armed forces and two high-ranking officers.

“I can confirm that the king will be back at work on Monday,” palace spokeswoman Sara Svanemyr told AFP, providing no other details about the king’s health.

Crown Prince Haakon, 50, has stepped in as regent in the king’s absence.

Harald, who has been on the throne since 1991, needs crutches to get around and has suffered a series of health issues in recent years.

But he has dismissed speculation that he would follow the lead of his 83-year-old distant cousin Queen Margrethe II in Denmark and abdicate.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.

ROYALS

Norway’s King Harald to reduce his workload

Norway's 87-year-old King Harald, who returned to work on Monday after nearly two months' sick leave, will reduce his workload due to his advanced age, the palace said.

Norway's King Harald to reduce his workload

Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, who is in fragile health, contracted an infection while on holiday on the Malaysian island of Langkawi in late February.

He was repatriated on a medical transport flight to Norway, where he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker to replace a temporary one he received in Malaysia.

“His majesty the King is happy to be back and resume his duties,” the palace said.

However, it said the monarch would “make adjustments to his schedule going forward, given his age”, citing “a permanent reduction in the number and scope of activities”.

Harald, who has been on the throne since 1991, needs crutches to get around and has suffered a series of health issues in recent years.

But he has dismissed speculation that he would follow the lead of his 83-year-old distant cousin Queen Margrethe II in Denmark and abdicate.

Crown Prince Haakon, 50, steps in as regent when the king is absent.

SHOW COMMENTS