OSLO, Norway (AP) — Norway’s King Harald V is being discharged from a hospital in Spain’s Canary Islands after being treated for a skin infection earlier this week, the royal palace said Thursday.
The palace said Harald, who turned 89 last weekend, will be discharged from hospital in Tenerife on the same day. It is reported that the king and Queen Sonia will continue their private vacation and have not yet decided when to return to Norway.
The king was admitted to hospital on Tuesday and his personal doctor, Bjorn Benz, traveled to Tenerife on Wednesday. Benderz said he was being treated for a skin infection on one of his legs.
Thursday’s statement said Harald was responding well and recovering quickly. It is said that Benderz will stay in Tenerife for a few days to monitor developments.
The king fell ill while on a private holiday with the queen in Malaysia two years ago, where he received a temporary pacemaker. Harald was flown on a medical flight back to Norway, where he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker.
Harald has been the monarch of Norway since 1991. His admission came at a time of turmoil for the Norwegian royal family.
Princess Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the throne, has faced new scrutiny in recent weeks over her contacts with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Meanwhile, Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship is currently on trial in Oslo on multiple charges, including rape charges.