OSLO, Norway (AP) – King Harald V of Norway is set to remain hospitalized for a few more days for treatment and observation following his admission during a vacation on the Spanish island of Tenerife. This information was provided by his personal physician, Dr. Bjørn Bendz, on Wednesday. The royal palace announced the king's hospitalization on Tuesday evening, just days after he celebrated his 89th birthday.

Dr. Bendz traveled to Tenerife to oversee the king's care and stated that while the king's general health is good, he is responding positively to treatment for a skin infection on one of his legs. Despite this stability, Bendz emphasized the importance of monitoring the king's health closely before he can be discharged, particularly given the seriousness of infections in individuals nearing the age of 90.

This hospitalization is not the first health scare for King Harald. Two years ago, he fell ill while on a private vacation in Malaysia, where he received a temporary pacemaker. He was subsequently transported back to Norway aboard a medical airplane, where he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker, highlighting the ongoing health concerns for the elderly monarch, who has been the king since 1991.

King Harald's hospitalization comes at a challenging time for the Norwegian royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon, has faced renewed scrutiny over her past associations with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In addition, Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship is currently on trial in Oslo for multiple alleged offenses, including serious charges of rape. This turbulent backdrop adds to the challenges faced by the royal family during King Harald’s health crisis.

As the situation develops, the royal family and the public remain hopeful for the king's recovery and eventual return home from the hospital in Tenerife.