Norway’s aging king, Harald V, is on sick leave because of a respiratory infection

Norway’s monarch, King Harald V, has been temporarily relieved of his duties due to a respiratory infection, the royal palace announced on Monday. The 84-year-old king, who has reigned since 1991, is expected to recover soon and resume his activities in the near future.

The palace did not provide any details about the nature or severity of the infection, but said that the king was receiving treatment at his residence. The palace also said that the king’s wife, Queen Sonja, and their son and heir, Crown Prince Haakon, were not affected by the infection.

King Harald V is widely respected and admired by the Norwegian people, who see him as a symbol of stability and continuity in a changing world. He has been praised for his role in promoting national unity and fostering good relations with other countries. He is also known for his love of sports and sailing, and his support for various humanitarian and environmental causes.

The king has faced some health challenges in recent years, including a heart surgery in 2005 and a bladder cancer operation in 2003. He also underwent a minor surgery in October 2020 to replace a heart valve. Despite these issues, he has maintained a busy schedule of official engagements and public appearances.

The Norwegian constitution allows the king to delegate his powers to the crown prince in case of illness or absence. Crown Prince Haakon, 47, has stepped in as regent several times before, most recently in January 2020 when the king was hospitalized for dizziness. He will now assume the king’s responsibilities until he recovers from his infection.

We wish King Harald V a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on his throne soon.