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Norway's Queen Sonja, 88, has been admitted to hospital for inpatient treatment of heart problems. The royal palace confirmed she suffers from atrial fibrillation and heart failure, and will remain under observation for several days.
Oslo, 27 May 2026
Queen Sonja of Norway has been hospitalized for inpatient treatment due to heart problems, the Norwegian Royal House announced on Wednesday.
The 88-year-old monarch is suffering from atrial fibrillation and heart failure, according to an official palace statement. "Die Königin leidet an Vorhofflimmern und Herzinsuffizienz und wurde für einige Tage zur Untersuchung und Beobachtung ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert", the Royal House communicated.
The hospitalization follows a period of reduced public engagements for the Queen. She was already on sick leave for this week and had cancelled a planned trip to four western Norwegian municipalities with her husband, King Harald V, who is 89.
Initially, the palace had indicated that the Queen simply wished to rest at home. The decision to admit her for inpatient care marks an escalation in the medical response to her condition.
This is not the first cardiac incident for Queen Sonja. In early 2025, she was hospitalized due to atrial fibrillation after a ski tour. Following that episode, she received a pacemaker implant to help regulate her heart rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. Heart failure, the second condition cited by the palace, means the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should.
The Norwegian royal family has faced a series of health challenges in recent years. King Harald V has repeatedly struggled with health problems and has undergone heart surgery himself.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, also suffers from a serious lung disease, which has periodically limited her official duties.
The palace has not provided a specific timeline for Queen Sonja's discharge, stating only that she will remain hospitalized for a few days for examination and observation.
Queen Sonja, born Sonja Haraldsen, married then-Crown Prince Harald in 1968 after a nine-year courtship that was initially controversial due to her commoner status. She became queen consort when Harald ascended the throne in 1991.
Throughout her tenure, she has been a popular figure in Norway, known for her work in the arts, culture, and social causes. Her health has generally been robust until the recent cardiac issues emerged.
The cancellation of the western Norway trip underscores the seriousness of the current situation. The four-municipality tour was to be a joint engagement with King Harald, who himself has reduced his public schedule due to age and health.
Public reaction in Norway has been one of concern, with well-wishes pouring in on social media and through official channels. The royal family has requested privacy during the Queen's hospitalization.
