Norway: King Harald returns to work after sick leave

NordenBladet – King Harald of Norway has been on sick leave for almost two weeks, but on February 10th 2022, he returned to work. The Norwegian monarch received three new ambassadors in a solemn audience at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

The ambassadors from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bakir Sadović, from Australia, Kerin Ann Ayyalaraju and from Rwanda, Diane Gashumba, handed over their credentials to King Harald, and thus the three can act as their countries’ ambassadors to the Kingdom of Norway.

The credential is the letter that presents the ambassador and the assignment. It is a very solemn occasion. The ambassador is picked up with one of the Royal Court’s cars. They drive slowly up in front of the Castle where soldiers from His Majesty the King’s Guard stand. The Royal Guard sounds a fanfare as the ambassador arrives at the Palace.

It is not common for photographs from these meetings to be printed and sent out in separate press releases. However, from these meetings, three photographs were published through the royal family’s website. This is to give a clear sign that the King is healthy. In the recent months, the King has used a crutch to lean on, otherwise the Norwegian press is in unison in their interpretation that the King looks quite healthy. The news has received a great deal of attention in the Norwegian media, both in newspapers and on television. It is clear that the Norwegian people are very pleased that the King is back in full force.

On February 11th 2022, the King will also lead the council of state and receive a number of people for an audience at the palace in Oslo. So far, no official events have been set up outside the palace where people have the opportunity to see the monarch.

King Harald began his sick leave on January 28th 2022 when he developed mild cold symptoms. The sick leave was extended twice after this date.The announcement came the day after minister, Anniken Huitfeldt, tested positive for coronavirus just hours after an audience with the King, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon. Fortunately, no one after the meeting has tested positive for corona.