King Harald of Norway in 'Very Serious' Condition With Blood Infection

The Royal Palace announced that the 89-year-old king is in "very serious condition" after his health worsened in the hospital, where he is being treated for a bacterial blood infection, according to the Associated Press via E! News. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who has been acting as regent during his father's illness, cancelled all planned events and engagements to be with the king. The king was initially admitted to the National Hospital in Oslo earlier in August for treatment of the infection.

His condition had shown improvement, but it took a turn for the worse on August 27. King Harald has a history of hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. According to the American Hospital Association guidelines cited by WebMD, a patient in serious condition has vital signs that may be unstable and not within normal limits, and is acutely ill.

The designation stops short of "critical," which typically indicates unstable vital signs and an unfavorable prognosis. The palace has not released further details about the king's treatment or prognosis. King Harald has been hospitalized multiple times, and Crown Prince Haakon has stepped in to perform official duties on several occasions.

The royal household has asked for privacy during this time. The palace statement did not specify how long the cancellations would last, but the move effectively suspends King Harald's public duties until fur... The term carries specific weight in medical communications.

The royal family has not commented beyond the palace's initial statement. King Harald's health has been a recurring concern in recent years.