Norway’s King Harald V health deteriorates as he battles infection

Oslo: The health of Norway's 89-ear-old King Harald V, in hospital due to complications from a blood condition, has "deteriorated" over the weekend, a statement from the palace said Sunday.

Europe's oldest reigning monarch is being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath.

"His Majesty the King's health deteriorated over the weekend," said the palace statement.

"The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood and has responded to this treatment," it added.

He was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on Monday due to fluid retention from the cortisone treatment he is receiving and placed on sick leave for two weeks. 

The palace has previously said the king had cancelled his visit to the central region of Trondelag scheduled for September 1 and 2 -- after the end of the previously announced sick leave period.

Harald, who ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, has had multiple health problems in recent years but has repeatedly ruled out abdicating.

Several members of his family, including his son Crown Prince Haakon who is serving as regent in Harald's absence, have visited him in hospital.

Harald's health woes come at a turbulent time for the Norwegian royal family. Haakon's wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is under scrutiny for her ties to the late convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

Mette-Marit's son from a previous marriage, Marius Borg Hoiby, was sentenced in June to four years in prison for two rapes and 32 other charges, including violence against a former partner. He has appealed the verdict.

The royals however remain broadly popular with the Norwegian public.