Kong Harald of Norway was transported to Rikshospitalet in his own car for a planned medical check-up, according to the Royal Court, directly refuting earlier media reports that an ambulance was used. The visit occurred on Friday, August 7, following official meetings earlier in the day.
Royal Court Refutes Ambulance Claims
Speculation surrounding the monarch’s health arose on Friday afternoon when publication Se og Hør reported that King Harald had been rushed to Rikshospitalet by ambulance. According to Guri Varpe, Head of Communications at the Royal Court, those details were incorrect.
“It is not correct, as Se og Hør has published, that the King was driven in an ambulance to Rikshospitalet today,” Varpe told newspaper VG. “The King was at a planned medical check-up and follow-up today, and was driven in his own car.”
Se og Hør editor-in-chief Niklas Kokkin-Thoresen stated that the publication confronted Varpe with the ambulance information prior to publication, and that she did not initially dismiss the claim. After receiving the updated statement from VG, Kokkin-Thoresen noted that the publication took the new information into the record and updated its digital coverage.
Prior to arriving at the hospital for his appointment, King Harald maintained an active official schedule. According to the official program published on the Royal Court’s website, the monarch held two official duties earlier on Friday.
King Harald met with the Minister of Defense and subsequently participated in a Council of State meeting alongside Crown Prince Haakon. These engagements took place before the monarch traveled to Rikshospitalet for his medical follow-up.
Prior Medical History and Interventions
Friday’s visit to Rikshospitalet follows several medical events for King Harald over the past years. In February, the monarch spent two days at the Universitario Hospiten Sur private hospital during a stay on Tenerife, where he received treatment for an infection and dehydration.
In 2024, King Harald fell acutely ill while on holiday in Malaysia. He was diagnosed with an infection and fitted with a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate. He was subsequently transported home to Norway for further treatment and underwent surgery at Rikshospitalet to have a permanent pacemaker implanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was King Harald at Rikshospitalet?
According to the Royal Court, King Harald visited Rikshospitalet for a planned medical check-up and follow-up with his doctor.
Was the King transported by ambulance?
No. The Royal Court explicitly denied reports of an ambulance transport, confirming that the monarch was driven to the hospital in his own car.
What previous medical procedures has the King undergone?
In 2024, King Harald received a permanent pacemaker at Rikshospitalet after falling ill in Malaysia. He was also treated for an infection and dehydration on Tenerife in February.