OSLO – Norway's King Harald V's health deteriorated over the weekend during his hospital stay, but his condition remained stable, the Royal House of Norway said on Sunday.

The royal house said the king was receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood and had responded to the treatment.

The 89-year-old monarch was admitted on Aug 17 to Rikshospitalet, which is part of Oslo University Hospital and provides highly specialized medical care.

The palace said earlier that the king had been receiving cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia in recent weeks. The treatment caused fluid accumulation in his body, requiring hospital care.

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The king is on sick leave until further notice, with Crown Prince Haakon serving as regent.

Harald V ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991. He has experienced several health problems in recent years and was fitted with a permanent pacemaker in March 2024.