Norway's King Harald V admitted to hospital days after celebrating birthday

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 24/02/2026

- 21:04

Updated: 24/02/2026

- 21:44

The monarch celebrated his 89th birthday on February 21

Norway's King Harald V has been admitted to hospital in Spain.

In a statement, the Royal House of Norway wrote: "His Majesty the King (Harald V) was admitted this evening to Hospital Universitario Hospiten Sur in Tenerife.


"The King is being treated for an infection and dehydration, and his condition is, under the circumstances, good."

The Royal House of Norway confirmed that His Majesty's personal physician will travel to Tenerife to assist the local health service.

King Harald VKing Harald has been admitted to hospital | GETTY

King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway are currently on a private stay in the Spanish island for their winter holiday.

The Royal House confirmed that an update will be provided once the physician has "assessed the situation".

Last week, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor handed back the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav to Norway's Royal House.

The Norwegian Palace confirmed he is no longer recorded as holding the prestigious honour.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew had to hand back the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav to Norway's Royal House

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GETTY

"Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has chosen to return his order," a Palace spokesperson in Oslo stated.

The decision came on the same day the late Queen Elizabeth II's second son was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Norwegian royal officials declined to explain the reasons behind the return, citing confidentiality protocols surrounding such awards.

King Olav bestowed the distinction upon Mr Mountbatten-Windsor in 1988, during a period when the British and Norwegian royal households enjoyed particularly warm relations.

King Olav

King Olav bestowed the distinction upon Andrew in 1988

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GETTY

The Order of St. Olav stands as Norway's highest civilian honour, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service.

King Olav V, who occupied the Norwegian throne until 1991, met with Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions throughout their respective reigns.

The Norwegian monarch had strong personal ties to Britain, having resided in England during the Second World War and being a cousin to the British Royal Family, which led to frequent visits to the United Kingdom.

King Harald V succeeded his father on January 17, 1991.

King Harald

King Harald V succeeded his father on January 17, 1991

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REUTERS

The British and Norwegian Royal Families share deep historical connections that span generations.

King Harald, Norway's current sovereign, is related to both King Charles and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor through multiple royal lineages, including descent from Queen Victoria, who ruled Britain during the 19th century.