King Harald contracted an infection while visiting Malaysia this week and was hospitalized before being flown back to Norway on a medical plane.
Norway's King Harald, 87, had been on holiday in Langkawi, Malaysia, but was hospitalised after contracting an infection. Bernama said he was treated at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi, in a ward reserved for Malaysian royalty.
The Norwegian royal family announced on March 2 that King Harald had been fitted with a temporary pacemaker by Malaysian doctors due to a "low heart rate". The Norwegian government also asked the Malaysian air force to help plan a quick return of King Harald to the country.
King Harald of Norway at an event in Oslo on February 14. Photo: Swiss Info
King Harald's personal physician was sent to Malaysia and confirmed that his health condition had improved, but did not reveal the details of the king's infection. He confirmed that the pacemaker would ensure that King Harald could return home safely on a dedicated medical plane operated by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).
King Harald will be immediately hospitalized in Norway once he returns home and continue his treatment.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the Norwegian government and people are very worried about King Harald's health. "We are working hard to bring the king back to the country as soon as possible and in the best possible health," he told NRK .
King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 and is Europe's oldest monarch, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 at the age of 96.
King Harald’s health has been deteriorating over the past few years and he has often been on crutches. He has fallen ill several times in recent months, including in late January with a respiratory infection. He was also hospitalized in December 2023 with an infection.
However, King Harald has always insisted that he has no intention of abdicating, unlike his relative, Queen Mother Margrethe II of Denmark. "I have to keep my oath when I ascended the throne. This is my lifelong job," he said on January 23.
Thanh Danh (According to BBC, Swiss Info, AP )
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