The Royal Court of Norway has released a statement saying King Harald V was admitted to Rikshospitalet on Thursday, 8 October 2020.

King Harald is scheduled to undergo surgery to change a heart valve on Friday, 9 October 2020.

The King’s doctor, Chief Physician Bjørn Bendz, will lead a medical team at the Cardiovascular and Lung Clinic at the Oslo University Hospital to carry out the operation using keyhole surgery under local anesthesia.

His Majesty had an operation in 2005 to replace the aortic valve, between his heart and the main artery, with an artificial one.

These artificial valves have a lifespan between 10 and 15 years so it is not unusual to have further surgery for a replacement.

The King’s doctor Bjørn Bendz says, ‘His Majesty the King has gone for regular check-ups, and the report we have made recently has shown that this intervention is necessary to improve the King’s breathing. Hundreds of this type of operation is performed a year at Rikshospitalet, and the Norwegian operators are very experienced.’

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Haakon will continue as Regent during his father’s absence by holding audiences and attending Council of State meetings.

Queen Sonja has cancelled her planned trip to Trondheim but the Crown Prince will attend a festive service in Nidaros Cathedral to mark the appointment of a new Preses (Archbishop).