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Norway’s royal family has gathered at the bedside of King Harald as his health deteriorates, according to the BBC. The 89-year-old monarch has been in hospital for over a week.
The BBC reports that the king is receiving treatment for a rare blood condition. His condition has been described as “extremely serious”.
Members of the royal family have visited the king in hospital as concern over his health grows, according to the BBC.
Outside the palace, Norwegians have laid flowers in a public show of support for the ailing monarch, the BBC reported.
The developments have drawn attention from across Norway, where the king has served as a long-standing figure of the nation’s constitutional monarchy.
Why it matters
King Harald is Norway's head of state and a symbolic figure for the country, so news of his worsening health carries national significance. The public response, including flowers laid at the palace, reflects the personal connection many Norwegians feel toward the monarch.
Timeline
- Who is Norway's new King Haakon VIII?
BBC World: Haakon becomes the king at a turbulent time for Norway's monarchy.
- Norwegians lay flowers at palace as King Harald's condition worsens
BBC World: The 89-year-old's condition is described as "extremely serious" and members of his family have visited him in hospital.
- Norway's royal family gathers at King Harald's bedside as his condition worsens
BBC World: The 89-year-old has been in hospital for over a week receiving treatment for a rare blood condition.