The Norwegian royal court announced this morning that King Harald's health had detoriated and that his condition was serious. All official engagements had been cancelled.
Members of the royal house and other family members have spent hours at Rikshospitalet (the National Hospital) where the king was admitted last week and leading politicians and other dignitaries have either cancelled their trips abroad or are on their way home again.
The crowd at the Royal Square, bringing flowers and well-wishes, have become larger and larger throughout the day. When I made a short stop at the Palace Square just before 5 p.m., the square was packed. The rumours were circulating, especially in social media, so many were somewhat relieved when the royal court around 5 p.m. relased another statement, informing that "The King’s condition remains unchanged. His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Regent’s visit to Færder National Park and Her Majesty The Queen’s visit to Trøndelag have been cancelled."
The situation is very serious, and people are preparing for what is bound to come, sooner or later. Even if many in Norway are republicans by principle, the majority still care about and are personally fond of the members of the royal family and especially the king. That so many people have gathered at the Royal Square today is a good example of this. Tonight a choir was singing the national anthem outside the Palace.
For updates this evening and through the night, see the official website of the royal house, NRK, VG, Dagbladet, TV2 and Nettavisen.
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