King Harald V of Norway's health has worsened, the palace has announced. The 89-year-old monarch remains in Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, where he is receiving antibiotics for a bloodstream bacterial infection.
Despite the deterioration in his condition, the palace stated that King Harald has responded to treatment. He will continue to be on leave from royal duties until further notice.
King Harald, who has been on the throne since 1991, was admitted to hospital and placed on sick leave a week ago. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is currently serving as regent.
In recent weeks, King Harald has been treated with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia, a rare blood condition that reduces red blood cells and can cause fatigue and shortness of breath.