King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest monarch at 87 years old, underwent a successful procedure to receive a permanent pacemaker at Oslo's university hospital, Rikshospitalet. The royal household confirmed that the operation went well, and the King is currently in stable condition.
This recent medical intervention comes after the monarch fell ill during a private holiday in Malaysia last month, where he had to undergo surgery and receive a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate. Following his return to Norway on a medical airplane, King Harald was promptly admitted to an Oslo hospital for further treatment.
Over the past few years, King Harald has faced various health challenges, leading to multiple hospitalizations. In October 2020, he underwent a heart valve replacement surgery after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Despite his health issues, King Harald has expressed his intention to continue his reign and has no plans to abdicate the throne. Unlike his second cousin, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who recently stepped down from her position, King Harald remains committed to fulfilling his ceremonial duties as Norway’s head of state, emphasizing that he holds no political power.
As King Harald focuses on his recovery, his 50-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakan, is temporarily assuming the monarch’s responsibilities to ensure the smooth continuation of royal duties in Norway.
