OSLO, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Norway's King Harald V is in a "very serious" condition after his health deteriorated, the Norwegian Royal House said Thursday, prompting Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to cancel a planned trip to Germany.
"His Majesty the King's health has deteriorated. His Majesty the King's health condition is very serious," the Royal House said in a statement.
Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Queen Sonja have canceled all their scheduled engagements, it added.
The Prime Minister's Office said Store had canceled his participation in a strategic meeting of the parliamentary leadership of Germany's governing parties and a working dinner with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz planned on Thursday evening.
The 89-year-old monarch was admitted to Rikshospitalet, part of Oslo University Hospital, on Aug. 17 following a medical examination.
The Royal House previously said the king had received cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia in recent weeks, which caused fluid accumulation in his body and required hospital treatment. His condition worsened over the weekend, and he was given antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood.
Crown Prince Haakon has been serving as regent during the king's hospitalization. ■