King Harald Hospitalized in Tenerife with Infection and Dehydration

Tenerife, Spain – King Harald V of Norway, 89, has been hospitalized in Tenerife, Spain, for infection and dehydration, the Norwegian royal house announced Tuesday evening. The King was admitted to Hospiten Sur University Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

According to a press release, the King’s personal physician will travel to Tenerife to assist local healthcare professionals. The Royal Couple are currently on a private winter holiday on the Spanish island.

“The King is being treated for an infection and dehydration, and his condition is, under the circumstances, good,” the royal house stated. An update on the King’s health is expected on Wednesday, February 25th, following an assessment by his physician.

King Harald, who celebrated his 89th birthday on Saturday, February 21st, is Europe’s oldest monarch. He ascended to the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav.

Crown Prince Haakon is currently serving as regent, a role he will maintain through March 6th, indicating King Harald is expected to remain abroad until at least that date.

This is not the first time King Harald has been hospitalized during a vacation. In 2024, he was treated for an infection while on holiday in Malaysia. Reflecting on that experience, the King reportedly said, “When I became ill, it suddenly felt very far home. I must admit that.”

Historian and author Trond Norén Isaksen noted the importance of transparency surrounding the health of the royal family, stating that openness helps avoid speculation. He added, “It is a public matter. One day the King will die, and it should not come as a surprise to people.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his well wishes, saying, “I wish our King a speedy recovery and hope he gets well soon.”

Despite recent health challenges, King Harald maintained a busy schedule leading up to his winter holiday, completing 233 official engagements in 2023 – 40 more than the previous year. He and Queen Sonja were recently seen attending the Winter Olympics in Italy.

The King has undergone several medical procedures in recent years, including the implantation of a new biological heart valve in 2020, replacing one fitted in 2005, and the removal of a bladder tumor in 2018.