Norway's 89-year-old King Harald, hospitalized with a blood disease

The health of Norway's 89-year-old King Harald, hospitalized with a blood disease, has deteriorated and he is in an "extremely serious" condition, the palace said Thursday. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who is acting as regent during his father's illness, have cancelled all royal engagements, said a palace statement.

Europe's oldest reigning monarch has been in hospital in Oslo since August 17 suffering from hemolytic anemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue and shortness of breath. The monarch was admitted to Oslo University Hospital due to fluid retention from the cortisone treatment he was receiving.