Norway’s palace has officially announced that King Harald will extend his sick leave. The 87-year-old monarch, who was expected to return to his duties on April 8th, will now continue his rest for an additional two weeks until April 22nd, following his hospitalization.
Harald, who has ruled for 33 years, fell ill with an infection while on a private holiday in Malaysia with Queen Sonja in February. He underwent surgery to implant a permanent pacemaker on March 12th at Rikshospitalet in Oslo and was discharged two days later.
During King Harald’s absence, his son and heir, Crown Prince Haakon, will continue to serve as regent. The palace has also confirmed that other senior members of the royal family will represent the king at his scheduled events in the upcoming weeks.
On April 9th, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Queen Sonja will host a medal reception on behalf of the monarch. Additionally, Crown Princess Mette-Marit will present the National Association for Public Health’s research awards on April 15th. It’s worth noting that the Crown Princess has reduced her royal engagements in recent years following her diagnosis with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018.
Queen Silvia is scheduled to visit Melhus and Skaun municipality on April 16th. Additionally, the palace has confirmed that Crown Prince Haakon’s trip to the west coast of the US will proceed as planned from April 15th to 19th. During this time, according to the Constitution, the government will oversee the country’s governance.
Earlier this week, Haakon, aged 50, conducted an official visit to Lithuania, where he met with President Gitanas Nausėda and visited the Norwegian force contribution in Rukla camp.
The Crown Prince and Princess are the parents of Princess Ingrid Alexandra, aged 20, and Prince Sverre Magnus. Ingrid Alexandra is currently undergoing military training at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord, while Sverre Magnus is completing his education at Elvebakken Upper Secondary School in Oslo.
A new portrait of the Norwegian royal family was released ahead of Easter, depicting them celebrating the holiday at Bygdø Royal Farm, the king’s summer residence located on the northwestern part of the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo.
Harald ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, in 1991. In 2016, he celebrated his Silver Jubilee.
