The King of Norway’s health has ‌deteriorated during his stay in hospital while being treated for anaemia, the royal household says.

King Harald V, ‌Europe’s ⁠oldest current head ​of state at 89, was hospitalised on Monday (local time) and was treated for anaemia.

“His ⁠Majesty ‌the ​King’s health deteriorated ​over the weekend. The ‌King is receiving ​antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his ​blood, ​and ​has responded to ‌this treatment,” the palace said, while adding that his condition ​was stable.

In February, Harald was treated for a skin infection on one of his legs that he caught on holiday in Spain’s Canary Islands.

In February 2024, the king fell ill during a private holiday with Queen Sonja in Malaysia. He received a temporary pacemaker there.

Harald returned to Norway aboard a medical airplane. He was fitted with a permanent pacemaker at home

Following that episode, the king said he would cut back on official engagements ​but ruled ‌out abdication, insisting his oath as king is for life.

Harald has been Norway’s monarch since 1991.