Norway's King Harald admitted to hospital and put on sick leave - BBC News

The 89-year-old - one of Europe's longest-serving monarchs - is suffering from a rare blood condition.

Image source, ReutersImage caption, King Harald V ascended Norway's throne in January 1991

Norway's King Harald V has been admitted to hospital and is on sick leave for two weeks, the country's royal household announced on Monday.

The 89-year-old, who is one of Europe's longest-serving monarchs, has been treated in recent weeks with cortisone for rare blood condition haemolytic anaemia. It causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath.

The palace said the monarch was admitted due to "fluid retention in the body that requires treatment in hospital".

It added that Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, will serve as regent while his father is on sick leave.