In Oslo, Norway, King Harald, who is 87 years old, underwent a procedure to have a permanent pacemaker implanted on Tuesday (March 12). The royal palace described the operation as “successful.”
King Harald, who is the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, had to be brought back to Norway on a medical flight on March 3 due to an infection he contracted during a holiday in Pulau Langkawi.
After returning to Norway, he was admitted to Oslo University Hospital, where it was announced that he would receive a permanent pacemaker to replace the temporary one he was given while in Malaysia.
“His Majesty The King received a permanent pacemaker this morning,” the palace stated on Tuesday.
The statement continued, “The procedure was successful, and His Majesty is recovering well.” It also mentioned that King Harald would “remain in the hospital for a few more days.”
King Harald, who now relies on crutches for mobility, has faced several health issues in recent years. Despite this, he has rejected rumors that he will abdicate the throne, following in the footsteps of his 83-year-old distant cousin, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
In the absence of King Harald, Crown Prince Haakon, who is 50 years old, has taken on the role of regent. – AFP
