Norwegian king health 'deteriorates'

The health of Norway's 89-ear-old King Harald V, in hospital due to complications from a blood condition, has "deteriorated" over the weekend, a statement from the palace said Sunday. Europe's oldest reigning monarch is being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath. "His Majesty the King's health deteriorated over the weekend," said the palace statement. "The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood and has responded to this treatment," it added. He was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on Monday due to fluid retention from the cortisone treatment he is receiving and placed on sick leave for two weeks. The palace has previously said the king had cancelled his visit to the central region of Trondelag scheduled for September 1 and 2 -- after the end of the previously announced sick leave period. Harald, who ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, has had multiple health problems in recent years but has repeatedly ruled out abdicating.