Europe's oldest monarch in hospital on Malaysian island after falling ill abroad

28 February 2024 , 15:12

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The king has been using crutches recently and been ill several times over the past few months (Image: Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

King Harald V of Norway - Europe's oldest monarch - has been taken ill while on holiday and is now being treated in hospital on the Malaysian island of Langkawi.

The 87-year-old king is at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital, according to Malaysia's national news agency Bernama. While the agency didn't name their sources, they said he was staying in the hospital's Royal Suite. Quoting the hospital, Norwegian TV 2 reported that the King's condition is stable.

While the hospital itself has not yet commented, Malaysia's health ministry told reporters to wait for a possible statement. Back in Oslo, the Royal palace said on Tuesday that the king had an infection but didn't provide more details. A statement may be released later on Wednesday.

Just before his birthday last week, the Norwegian news agency NTB reported that the King was going on a private trip abroad with his wife Queen Sonja, but they didn't say where or when.

The Sultanah Maliha Hospital, where King Harald V of Norway is believed to be undergoing treatment (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The King, who has been seen using crutches recently, has been ill several times over the past few months, causing concerns about his health. In January, the palace announced he was on sick leave until February 2 because of a respiratory infection.

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In December, the King was admitted to a hospital with an infection and treated with intravenous antibiotics. He was also hospitalised in August with a fever. Despite this, Harald has repeatedly said he has no plans to abdicate, unlike his second cousin Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who surprised 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 there were no plans to alter a planned trip by Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Wednesday and Thursday to southern Norway.

According to the Royal house's calendar, Harald's first official task after the vacation is scheduled for March 8, when he and Haakon are to preside over the state council - a monthly meeting with the government - at the Royal palace in Oslo. At those meetings, new legislation is sanctioned by the monarch and signed by the prime minister, after which it takes effect.

On January 23, Harald said that he stood by the oath he made when ascended the throne in 1991. "I maintain what I have said all the time. It lasts for life," he said.

Zahra Khaliq