A statement from the Royal Court of Norway on Sunday, 4 October 2020, has said King Harald’s sick leave has been extended with ongoing medical investigations.

King Harald was due to return to work on Monday, 5 October 2020, but doctors are still running tests to find out why he is suffering from shortness of breath.

An ambulance took the 83-year-old monarch from Bygdø Kongsgård (Royal Farm) to Rikshospitalet in Oslo during the early hours on Friday, 25 September 2020 for tests.

Tests revealed King Harald does not have the coronavirus.

King Harald was released from the hospital on Monday, 28 September 2020, and is recovering at Bygdø Kongsgård whilst on sick leave.

Crown Prince Haakon gave speech from the throne during the State Opening of the 165th Storting on Friday, 2 October 2020, during his father’s absence.

The Crown Prince will have an audience with the Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy Rear A​​dmiral Nils Andreas Stensønes at 11.30 am and chair the Council of State at 2.30 pm at the Royal Palace.