Europe's Oldest Monarch in 'Extremely Serious' Condition

Norway is bracing for the possible end of an era as King Harald V's health takes a grave turn. The 89-year-old monarch is in an "extremely serious" condition at Oslo University Hospital, reports the BBC, where Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, and other close relatives have gathered, and all royal duties have been put on hold, notes Al Jazeera.

Harald, Europe's oldest head of state and king since 1991, has been treated for haemolytic anemia, a rare blood disorder that reduces red blood cells and can cause exhaustion and breathing issues. Haakon, 53, has been acting as regent during his father's illness. The king's health crisis caps a turbulent year for the royal family, which has included Crown Princess Mette-Marit's lung transplant, her son Marius Borg Høiby's rape conviction and planned appeal, and renewed scrutiny of Mette-Marit's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.