Norway's King Harald V, who recently celebrated his 89th birthday, has been urgently hospitalised while on a private holiday in Tenerife. The monarch was admitted to the Hospital Universitario Hospiten Sur on the island due to an infection and dehydration.
Royal Palace Issues Statement on King's Condition
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Royal Palace described the king's condition as 'satisfactory' given the circumstances. The palace confirmed that the king's personal physician is scheduled to travel to Tenerife to assist Spanish medical teams. A comprehensive health assessment is expected to be delivered on Wednesday.
History of Health Challenges
This incident marks another health setback for Europe's oldest reigning sovereign. Two years ago, King Harald experienced similar medical issues during a holiday in Malaysia. Following that infection, he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted and subsequently reduced his official duties.
Despite these health challenges, the king has consistently rejected any suggestion of abdication. He maintains that his oath before the Norwegian parliament represents a lifelong commitment to his royal duties.
Royal Family Faces Multiple Scandals
The king's latest health emergency occurs during a particularly turbulent period for the Norwegian monarchy. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, has been named multiple times in documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These revelations indicate an unexpected association with the disgraced financier.
Legal Troubles for Royal Family Member
Further complicating matters, Marius Borg Hoiby, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, is currently standing trial in Oslo. The 29-year-old faces thirty-eight criminal charges, including four counts of rape and multiple assault allegations. Although not officially part of the royal family, Hoiby has denied the most serious accusations against him.
Monarchy's Popularity Declines Dramatically
According to recent polling data published by Norway's public broadcaster NRK, support for the monarchy has reached unprecedented lows. The survey, released on Saturday, indicates that only sixty percent of Norwegians now support the institution of monarchy. This represents a significant ten percent decrease from the previous month's figures.
NRK's analysis suggests that public approval for the royal family has never been lower in recorded history. Despite this institutional decline, King Harald himself remains an exceptionally popular figure. The same survey awarded him a remarkable personal approval rating of 9.2 out of 10, highlighting his continued status as a unifying national symbol.
The royal couple, King Harald and Queen Sonja, aged 88, have been wintering on Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands located off the western coast of Africa. The king's birthday celebration on Saturday preceded this unexpected hospital admission by just three days.
