‘Stable’ Norway’s King Harald, 85, hospitalised after developing a fever

The 85-year-old monarch was in a stable condition, the palace said. He underwent a leg operation in January and tested positive for Covid in March, with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, briefly assuming the responsibilities of the monarch.

In a brief statement, the Royal Court said: ”His Majesty the King was today admitted to Oslo University Hospital for the investigation of fever. His condition is stable.”

However, no further details were given.

The King of Norway was last seen in public at a sailing competition last week.

Along with the rest of his family, he has had a low public profile in recent weeks as the summer holidays continue.

Harald V has ruled the Scandinavian country since January 1991, succeeding his father, Olav V.

A second cousin of Queen Elizabeth, Harald is 78th in line to the British throne.

Following the death of his grandfather Haakon VII in 1957, Harald became Crown Prince as his father became king.

A keen sportsman, he represented Norway in sailing at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Olympic Games, and later became patron of World Sailing.

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Harald married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, their relationship having initially been controversial due to her status as a commoner.

The couple have two children, Märtha Louise and Haakon.

Harald became king following his father's death in 1991, with Haakon becoming his heir apparent.

Queen Elizabeth's first foreign trip as monarch, in 1955, was to visit her family in Norway.

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King Haakon welcomed her to Oslo, two years before he died and was succeeded by his son Olav, Harald's father.

The Queen made further visits to Oslo in 1981 and 2002.