Norway's King Harald Hospitalized in Malaysia, Fitted with Temporary Pacemaker

The 87-year-old monarch will be on sick leave for two weeks upon his return to Norway, with Crown Prince Haakon stepping in as regent.

King Harald V of Norway, Europe's oldest reigning monarch at 87, was hospitalized in Malaysia after contracting an infection during a holiday.
The Norwegian royal was fitted with a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate, a measure to ensure a safer return to Norway.
Upon his return, King Harald will be admitted to the hospital Rikshospitalet in Oslo and will be on sick leave for two weeks.
Crown Prince Haakon will serve as regent, taking over the King's constitutional duties during his absence.
Despite health challenges, including previous hospitalizations and surgeries, King Harald has expressed no plans to abdicate.