The health of Norway's King Harald, 89, has deteriorated while in hospital and his condition is now "very serious," the royal court said Thursday.

Harald, Europe's oldest living monarch and Norway's ceremonial head of state since 1991, was taken to hospital on August 17. The palace stated he is being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood.

Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Sonja have cancelled all planned events. Norwegian media reported that members of the royal family, including the queen and the crown prince, were seen arriving at the Oslo University Hospital where the king is receiving treatment.

Several officials have altered their travel plans due to the king's condition:

• Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere cancelled a trip to Germany.
• Parliament speaker Masud Gharahkhani broke off an official visit to Iceland to return to Norway.
• The Committee of Foreign Relations and Defence members are returning home from South Korea.
• The Lutheran Church of Norway's College of Bishops announced it would return home from Rome as soon as possible.

In 2024, the king said he would reduce his official activities due to his age, but he ruled out abdication, stating his oath as king was for life.

"The whole nation is with us as we send warm thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family."