Norway: King Harald returns to work following heart surgery

NordenBladet – King Harald has been back at work for the first time following successful heart surgery last month.

King Harald was declared healthy enough to be able to resume duties from 1 November, Oslo’s Royal Palace said in a short statement to the press and on November 5, the monarch was back at the Royal Palace in Oslo to receive Norway’s Foreign Minister for an audience. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon also attended. Later the same day, the King also received Thailand’s new ambassador, the United Arab Emirates’ new ambassador and Greece’s new ambassador in a solemn audience at the Royal Palace. On Friday 6 November, the King will hold the weekly Council of State before he receives representatives of Beitostølen Health Sports Centre in audience.

The news that the King is healthy enough to resume his duties has been received with great pleasure by the Norwegian people. The news has been prominent in the media in Norway over the last weeks and many hope that the royal court will publish a photograph of the king during the coming week. So far, there has been no photos of the Kings since he left hospital in October.

King Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet on 25 September after having problems with heavy breathing. Among other things, the king was tested for Covid-19, which was counted out immediately. On Monday 28 September, he was discharged from hospital, while his sick leave was extended. The hospital continued its investigation after the king was allowed to return home.

On Thursday, October 8, it was announced that King Harald would undergo heart valve surgery. On Friday 9 October, King Harald underwent surgery at Rikshospitalet. The king has been on sick leave since the operation, which was successful. On Friday 30 October, the Palace announced that the king will be back at work from 1 November.

Crown Prince Haakon has performed the constitutional duties in King Harald’s absence. After the recovery, King Harald will again perform his duties as King of Norway.