The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 30, 2025
Today: March 30, 2025

Norway's King Harald V is in the hospital on a Malaysian island after falling ill on vacation

Malaysia Norway King Hospitalized
February 28, 2024

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (AP) — Europe's oldest monarch, King Harald V of Norway, remained hospitalized in Malaysia on Wednesday, in the country's northern resort island of Langkawi, after falling ill while on vacation.

Malaysian national news agency Bernama said the 87-year-old monarch was undergoing treatment at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi. The report cited unnamed sources as saying he was staying at the hospital’s Royal Suite.

Norwegian TV 2 said the king's condition is stable, citing the hospital.

Norway's King Harald V is in the hospital on a Malaysian island after falling ill on vacation
Norway King Hospitalized

The hospital declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press. Malaysia’s health ministry told the media to wait for a possible statement.

The royal palace in Oslo said on Tuesday that the king was hospitalized with an infection but did not give further details. The palace said it may send a statement out later Wednesday.

Two days before his birthday last week, Norwegian news agency NTB said that the king would be undertaking a private trip abroad together with his wife Queen Sonja, without specifying the destination or dates.

The monarch, who has been seen using crutches in recent years, has been repeatedly ill over the past months, raising concern about the head of state’s health. In January, the palace said he was on sick leave until Feb. 2 because of a respiratory infection.

Norway's King Harald V is in the hospital on a Malaysian island after falling ill on vacation
Malaysia Norway King Hospitalized

In December, he was admitted to a hospital with an infection and was treated with intravenous antibiotics. He also was hospitalized last August with a fever.

Still, Harald has repeatedly said he has no plans to abdicate, unlike his second cousin Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who stunned Danes when she announced her step in a New Year's speech. Each time the king was reported ill, his 50-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, has taken over his duties in line with the protocol.

The palace in Oslo told NTB said there were no plans to alter a planned trip by Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Wednesday and Thursday to southern Norway.

On Jan. 23, Harald said that he stood by the oath he made when ascended the throne in 1991.

Norway's King Harald V is in the hospital on a Malaysian island after falling ill on vacation
Malaysia Norway King Hospitalized

“I maintain what I have said all the time. It lasts for life,” he said.

___

Olsen reported from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Share This

Popular

Europe|Health|World

Pope's willingness to show his frailty provides an example to young and old alike

Pope's willingness to show his frailty provides an example to young and old alike
Business|Crime|Europe|Political|US

Protests against Elon Musk's purge of US government swarm Tesla showrooms

Protests against Elon Musk's purge of US government swarm Tesla showrooms
Americas|Europe|Political|World

Trump says military force not off the table for Greenland after Danish FM scolds his administration

Trump says military force not off the table for Greenland after Danish FM scolds his administration
Europe|World

Russian drone attack kills two in Ukraine's Kharkiv, officials say

Russian drone attack kills two in Ukraine's Kharkiv, officials say

Europe

Business|Economy|Europe|Finance

ING met Italy's Popolare di Sondrio amid European expansion plan, source says

ING met Italy's Popolare di Sondrio amid European expansion plan, source says
Europe|Political|World

Zelenskiy says Ukraine expects strong Western response to Russian drone attacks

Zelenskiy says Ukraine expects strong Western response to Russian drone attacks
Europe|Political|World

Ukraine launches attacks in new Russian region as it faces setbacks on home soil

Ukraine launches attacks in new Russian region as it faces setbacks on home soil
Celebrity|Entertainment|Europe|Travel

Venice says it will host Bezos wedding and denies reports of possible disruptions for the city

Venice says it will host Bezos wedding and denies reports of possible disruptions for the city

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In